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Mint
21 hours ago
- Politics
- Mint
South Africa Presses US on G-20 Absence as Leaders Summit Looms
South Africa will ask the US government to confirm its future participation in Group of 20 engagements, after American officials failed to attend a preparatory meeting this week. The US didn't send a representative to a four-day meeting of lead negotiators — known as sherpas — that concluded on Friday in South Africa, the current president of the bloc. Its absence suggested relations between the two countries remain fraught, after President Cyril Ramaphosa sought to mend ties in a meeting with US counterpart Donald Trump at the Oval Office last month. South African officials plan to contact the US government next week to discuss the issue, Ambassador Xolisa Mabhongo, who is supporting South Africa's sherpa, said in an interview on Friday. Representatives from Brazil, which held the G20 presidency last year, will join the call, he said. 'We will do a call with them and that will be when we will be able to assess whether the US will be rejoining the process or whether they will stay out,' he said. The White House didn't immediately respond to a request for comment. South Africa, Brazil and the US — which is scheduled to take over the bloc's presidency in 2026 - make up a so-called G20 troika that has met three times since the start of this year, with full participation by the US, Mabhongo said. 'There was an undertaking by the US sherpa that they would be participating in the process,' he said. 'A month later, there was that article in the Washington Post that said that US agencies were given instruction to stay away. So since then, they never showed up in other meetings.' Part of the reason for Ramaphosa's trip to the White House last month was to encourage the US to recommit to the G20. His meeting with Trump took an unexpected turn when the US president confronted Ramaphosa with false claims of a genocide against White farmers. There have been no official land seizures in South Africa since apartheid ended in 1994, while police statistics show young Black men bear the brunt of violent crime. The US has consistently pushed back against the host nation's core themes of solidarity and equality, while Trump has remained noncommittal on whether he will attend a leaders' summit scheduled for November. With assistance from Kate Sullivan. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
The South African
2 days ago
- Business
- The South African
G20 Sherpa meeting highlights global development challenges
South Africa's Group of 20 (G20) Presidency convened its third Sherpa meeting this week, focusing on critical global challenges, including sustainable development and geopolitical tensions. Speaking to the media, South Africa's G20 Sous Sherpa, Xolisa Mabhongo, stressed the urgency of achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), noting that the G20 represents 85% of global GDP and has a crucial role in advancing the 2030 agenda. Mabhongo serves as the Deputy Director-General of Global Governance and Continental Agenda at the Department of International Relations and Cooperation. 'We are now five years away from the date set for achieving the SDGs and this is worrisome,' the diplomat stated. He said the 20 largest economies in the world, which come from various regions, have a significant role in fostering the development agenda. 'The G20 has a responsibility to push hard during these remaining years.' He told journalists that Wednesday's Sherpa meeting of the G20 at the Sun City Resort addressed complex geopolitical issues, with participants discussing conflicts ranging from the Democratic Republic of Congo to Gaza and Ukraine. However, the approach focused on principles of achieving 'just peace' rather than diving into specific conflict details. Mabhongo said South Africa outlined four key priorities for its Presidency, which include disaster resilience, debt sustainability, critical minerals, and the Just Energy Transition (JET). He, meanwhile, highlighted the importance of transforming Africa's mineral extraction model. 'We do not want raw materials to be just taken from Africa. We want African countries to have space for beneficiation and manufacturing.' The meeting also noted the absence of the United States, with officials expressing openness to continued engagement and emphasising the continuity of the G20 agenda. Mabhongo believed that the gathering signalled South Africa's commitment to advancing Global South priorities and building on the legacies of previous presidencies from Indonesia, India, and Brazil. Meanwhile, he explained the continuity of priorities, such as the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty from Brazil. 'Our task force on food security that we are creating is focusing on the regional level and at the global level.' Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
20-06-2025
- Business
- The South African
Paul Mashatile highlights South Africa's role as chair of the G20
Deputy President Paul Mashatile has highlighted the importance of solidarity and collaboration in today's rapidly evolving global landscape. Delivering a public lecture at St. Petersburg State University, the Deputy President explained that South Africa's Presidency of the Group of 20 (G20) comes at a time characterised by geopolitical tensions and economic disparities. 'As we gather here today, amidst the tumultuous global crises characterised by rising geopolitical tensions, trade wars, unemployment, inequality, poverty, armed conflicts, and climate catastrophe, it has become very clear that the world needs solidarity now more than ever,' the Deputy President said on Thursday. Deputy President Mashatile arrived in Russia this week for a working visit aimed at strengthening economic and trade ties between the two nations. The visit focuses on enhancing economic cooperation between the two countries in sectors such as agriculture, automotive, energy, and mining industries, as well as cooperation in science and technology. Deputy President Mashatile's speech highlighted South Africa's role as the current chair of the G20 and its commitment to addressing pressing global challenges. South Africa's G20 Presidency theme: 'Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability' articulates the necessary principles of fostering a more inclusive global community. 'Only through exercising solidarity and identifying with each other's struggles can we do justice to the notion of international community or 'Ubuntu'.' Deputy President Mashatile reiterated the importance of global solidarity, urging those present to work together to create a more equitable world. 'We aim to capitalise on the prospects of globalisation while limiting its risks and ensuring that the benefits of economic progress and technological advancement are shared by all,' he said. He called for unity, adding that 'we must build upon that legacy and strengthen our cooperation in science, technology, research, and innovation'. Universities like St. Petersburg State University can play a pivotal role in bridging the priorities of BRICS, the African Union, and the G20. 'Our future lies in knowledge economies, and your institution is a natural partner in this effort,' Mashatile added. The country's second-in-command praised the university's Faculty of International Relations and the Institute for African Studies for their engagement with scholars across Africa. He extended an invitation for deeper collaborations with leading South African institutions, emphasising the mutual benefits that such partnerships could foster. The Deputy President highlighted the university's impressive legacy, noting that it has produced numerous renowned figures, including President Vladimir Putin and the Russian revolutionary Vladimir Lenin. 'The presence of so many renowned scholars, leaders, and diplomats here today is a testament to the university's continued relevance in shaping discourse on global affairs.' The Deputy President reflected on the historical ties between South Africa and Russia, expressing gratitude for the support received during the anti-apartheid struggle. Despite the prevailing geopolitical environment, he said South Africa is steadfast in its commitment to this course. '… And with our G20 Presidency, we possess a unique opportunity to influence the global discourse on critical issues.' The G20 has a significant role to play in fostering global cooperation, collaboration and partnership to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the 2030 Agenda. He announced the country's G20 Presidency will, through its four overarching priorities, seek to address challenges that stifle the ability of the Global South to achieve desired levels of growth and development. In addition, South Africa will take steps to enhance disaster resilience and response. The country also aims to ensure debt sustainability for low-income nations, mobilise financing for a Just Energy Transition, and seek to leverage critical minerals for inclusive growth and sustainable development. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
IOL News
17-06-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Enoch Godongwana to highlight public financial management at SAI20 Summit
Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana is expected to deliver a keynote address at the SAI20 Summit. Image: Phando Jikelo / GCIS The Auditor-General of South Africa (AGSA), Tsakani Maluleke, will host a summit of supreme audit institutions (SAIs) of the G20 member countries, known as SAI20, on June 24-25, 2025, in Johannesburg. The summit is an event that will pave the way for the upcoming Group of 20 (G20) Summit to take place later in the year, and will bring together auditors-general from G20 countries to discuss key issues related to transparency and accountability in public financial management. Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana will deliver a keynote address at the summit, highlighting the importance of transparency and accountability in public financial management, according to the AGSA statement. The summit will provide a platform for SAIs to share insights and best practices in promoting good governance and oversight of sustainable development. 'The SAI20 Summit is a crucial event that will enable SAIs to drive collaboration and support their vital role in enhancing governance and fostering oversight of sustainable development within their respective countries. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ 'The gathering will also present an opportunity for SAIs to share insights that will create foresight for G20 governments to ensure that the plight of citizens in their respective countries continues to lead the developmental agenda,' said Maluleke. She said the summit will focus on two developmental themes: unlocking and leveraging public infrastructure funding for equality, sustainable growth, and bringing improvement to the lives of citizens; and collaborative and integrative efforts for a future-ready workforce – bridging the skills gap in sustainable economic growth. Auditor-General Tsakani Maluleke will host the SAI20 Summit next week. Image: Thobile Mathonsi / Independent Newspapers These themes are aligned with the G20's theme of solidarity, equality, and sustainability. 'The SAI20 Summit is a significant event that will have implications for global transparency and accountability. The summit will deliver a joint communique that will set out priorities for all member SAIs to implement until the next summit. This will ensure that SAIs continue to play a vital role in promoting good governance and oversight of sustainable development,' added Maluleke. According to Maluleke, the SAI20 Summit is an opportunity for SAIs to demonstrate their value and benefit by making a difference to the lives of citizens in their respective jurisdictions. 'The ultimate goal is to create an environment where public sector auditors all over the world can do their work to the best benefit of the citizens they are supposed to serve without any fear, favour or prejudice.'
Korea Herald
17-06-2025
- Business
- Korea Herald
Lee discusses ways to bolster cooperation with Australia, South Africa
President Lee Jae-myung met with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in Canada on Monday and agreed to bolster security cooperation to promote peace on the Korean Peninsula and address North Korea's nuclear issue, the presidential office said. In their first in-person meeting in Calgary on the margins of the Group of Seven summit, the two leaders also pledged to work together for a successful hosting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum in South Korea's Gyeongju later this year. "The two leaders agreed to continue strengthening communication and cooperation to make tangible progress on peace on the Korean Peninsula and the North Korean nuclear issue," the presidential office said in a release. During the talks, Lee called Australia "a trusted ally" that participated in the 1950-53 Korean War and a key partner working with South Korea to promote stability and prosperity in the region and the international community, the office said. Albanese expressed hope that the two countries would further deepen cooperation across a range of areas, including defense, the arms industry, clean energy and supply chains for critical minerals, it noted. On the same day, he also held a summit with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and discussed ways to expand cooperation in trade, investment and energy. In their first meeting, held on the margins of the Group of Seven summit in Calgary, Lee noted that the two countries have deepened collaboration since establishing diplomatic ties in 1992, and highlighted South Africa's dispatching of troops to the 1950-53 Korean War. "Lee suggested that the two countries work closely to further enhance practical cooperation in areas such as trade, investment and energy," the presidential office said in a release. Ramaphosa described South Korea as a valuable partner that shares democratic values, and expressed hope for increased investment and business activities by Korean companies in South Africa. During the talks, Ramaphosa said he hopes to meet Lee again at the Group of 20 summit scheduled to take place in Johannesburg in November, while Lee wished the African nation a successful hosting of the global summit. (Yonhap)
