Category: South Africa Government

Source: South Africa News Agency

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 Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Mathu Joyini, 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.

“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.

Joyini said South Africa outlined four key priorities for its Presidency, which include disaster resilience, debt sustainability, critical minerals, and the Just Energy Transition (JET). 

The Ambassador, 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.

Joyini 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, Joyini 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.” – SAnews.gov.za
 

Source: South Africa News Agency

South Africa’s Group of 20 (G20) Presidency is placing climate resilience and the Just Energy Transition (JET) at the heart of its global agenda, highlighting the escalating environmental challenges facing developing nations.

In an interview with the media, South Africa’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Mathu Joyini, empha
sised the critical importance of disaster resilience, using recent national experiences as a stark illustration of global climate vulnerabilities. 

“If you look at the flooding that happened in the Eastern Cape a few weeks ago, it exactly shows the relevance of the G20 discussions to our national situation. You can extrapolate it into a country, in the African continent, or the developing south, you do realise that there is no ready capacity or enough resources to deal with disaster resilience,“ he said. 

“I mean, if you look at KwaZulu-Natal, for example, it’s almost like we are expecting a natural disaster, climate-related, weather-related disaster to come.” 

According to recent reports, the death toll in the Mthatha, Eastern Cape floods, now stands at 101, as rescue operations are continuing. 

While specific commitments were not detailed, he said the talks signalled a growing recognition that climate action requires a fundamental reimagining of global economic and environmental policies.

The G20 Sherpa meeting, which kicked off yesterday, underscored a fundamental shift in approach, recognising that climate change is no longer a future threat but a present reality, particularly for developing countries. 

The third Sherpa meeting of the G20 kicked off on Wednesday at the Sun City Resort, focusing on global collaboration, sustainable development, and addressing new international challenges.

Joyini told journalists that South Africa’s Presidency is pushing for a comprehensive strategy that goes beyond traditional environmental discussions, integrating climate action with economic development.

Meanwhile, the Ambassador stated that critical minerals have emerged as a key focal point, with the delegation advocating for a transformative approach to resource extraction. 

“We want to stop the old model of exporting raw materials,” he said. 

“Our goal is to ensure African countries can benefit from the minerals crucial to green energy transitions, particularly for electric vehicles and renewable technologies.”

The attendees also highlighted the JET as a priority, reflecting a nuanced approach that balances environmental protection with economic development.

This strategy, he said, aims to create sustainable pathways for countries in the Global South to address climate challenges while maintaining economic growth.

The meeting also addressed the disproportionate impact of climate change on developing nations, with discussions focusing on how the G20 – representing 85% of global gross domestic product (GDP) – can provide meaningful support to the most vulnerable regions. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: South Africa News Agency

Thursday, June 26, 2025

Source: South Africa News Agency

Thursday, June 26, 2025

Source: South Africa News Agency

The New Development Bank (NDB) has appointed Tshepiso Moahloli as the new Africa Regional Centre (ARC) Director-General, following an international competitive recruitment process. 

Moahloli’s appointment took effect on 20 June 2025. 

Moahloli’s role will entail managing the Bank’s African regional operations and leading the African continent, with a focus on project origination, preparation, and implementation supervision. She will also serve as a primary interface between the NDB and key project stakeholders in the region.

The NDB is celebrating 10 years of operations this year. Since its inception in 2015, the Bank has approved 15 infrastructure projects in South Africa, valued at a total of US$7.3 billion. 

These projects focus on addressing crucial infrastructure needs in sectors sincluding water, energy, transport and logistics networks.

“Moahloli is a former National Treasury Deputy Director-General (DDG) for Asset and Liability Management and has amassed more than a decade of experience in the National Treasury providing operational and strategic leadership in Debt Management, Risk Management and Stakeholder Relations.

“Prior to this appointment, Moahloli provided consulting services on various projects related to public debt, climate financing and broad infrastructure development. Moahloli provided strategic expertise at the newly formed Oman Debt Management Office,” National Treasury said.

In partnership with the World Bank, she has also provided consulting support for the NDB in mapping out requisite reforms in infrastructure delivery for the National Treasury.

Moahloli holds a Master of Business Administration in Executive Management from the University of Cape Town, and a Master of Commerce Economic Science (with Distinction) from the University of the Witwatersrand.

National Treasury Director-General, Dr Duncan Pieterse, who is also South Africa’s representative on the NDB Board of Directors, wishes Moahloli well in her new role as she leads the expansion of the NDB Project Portfolio in South Africa and the broader African region for greater development impact. –SAnews.gov.za

Source: South Africa News Agency

Thursday, June 26, 2025

Source: South Africa News Agency

Thursday, June 26, 2025

Source: South Africa News Agency

G20 Sherpa meeting to focus on global solidarity and sustainable development

Gabisile
Wed, 06/25/2025 – 12:40

Source: South Africa News Agency

As South Africa’s Group of 20 (G20) Presidency approaches its final six months, the focus should be on fostering multilateral cooperation and finding collective solutions to humanity’s most pressing challenges. 

According to the United Nations (UN) Resident Coordinator in South Africa, Nelson Muffuh, the world’s major economies should aim to develop innovative approaches to complex global issues related to poverty, unemployment, and sustainable development.

“The countries that carry the economy of the world must come together and find each other and resolve some of the challenges. 

“They need to agree on some of the common solutions they can advance to resolve issues of inequalities, poverty, unemployment, governance, and trade. So, I think group, which is often referred to as a ‘ginger group’, is really an important platform as part of the wider multilateral system which the UN embodies.” 

Muffuh was speaking to SAnews during the third Sherpa meeting of the G20, which began on Wednesday.

The Sun City Convention Centre in the North West was filled with representatives from the world’s largest economies and organisations as Zane Dangor, the Director-General of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation and South Africa’s G20 Sherpa, delivered his opening remarks.

Muffuh believes that South Africa’s G20 Presidency is making significant progress in addressing global challenges, with an emphasis on promoting solidarity, equality, and sustainability. 

Halfway through its Presidency, the country has already held 70 out of a planned 132 meetings across various working groups, focusing on critical issues affecting the international community.

“So, we need to look at where we’re with regards to the momentum towards achieving some of the envisaged outcomes around reform of the international financial architecture, capitalisation of the multilateral development banks, financing for the SDGs [Sustainable Developmental Goals] and financing for climate action, Just Energy Transition, the tackling of inequalities. A lot of these issues have been discussed extensively,” he told SAnews. 

According to the UN official, the Presidency should strengthen multilateral cooperation as global tensions hinder collective progress.

“We’re not on track to achieve the outcomes of the Sustainable Development Goals, for example. So, I think the focus really should be on ensuring we do not lose track, despite the concerns, despite the intentions to still find ways of coming together, find each other, and common ground to make progress.”

A central theme emerging from meetings is the urgent need to overcome geopolitical divisions and work collaboratively on pressing global challenges. 

Despite ongoing tensions, including notable absences like the United States, Muffuh said the G20 remains committed to creating a platform for constructive dialogue and finding common solutions.

He believes that the upcoming international gatherings, such as the Financing for Development Conference, the 30th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP30 Summit), and the UN General Assembly, will create additional opportunities to enhance the G20’s collaborative efforts and advocate for meaningful global progress. – SAnews.gov.za
 

Source: South Africa News Agency

President Cyril Ramaphosa has urged all South Africans, regardless of race, to work together in a united national effort to drive economic transformation, ensure inclusive growth and foster meaningful participation in the economy. 

The President was speaking during questions for oral reply session in the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) in Parliament on Wednesday.

“The Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment Act remains a fundamental lever for transformation, as part of our broader strategy to achieve more rapid, inclusive and sustainable economic growth in the country. As I have said before, we must dispense with the false notion that we must make a choice between growth and transformation.

“Black economic empowerment is not only compatible with investment and growth but is essential to achieve broad-based growth and prosperity. It must be seen as a process through which we take measures to bring those who were excluded from economic activity into the economic mainstream,” the President said.

President Ramaphosa emphasised that bringing previously disadvantaged people into the economic fold will not happen spontaneously.

“To think that it will happen on its own when, in the past, measures were taken including laws, to ensure that only a minority benefits, we would be deceiving ourselves. We must, therefore, be very clear and direct and make sure that this objective of achieving equality does happen.

“If we don’t do so, it will not happen. So therefore, we need to take demonstrable steps to make sure that there is clear movement,” he said.

The President acknowledged that although much has been achieved, “we can do better”.

“As with any other policy, we must constantly assess whether we are achieving our goals and where we can make improvements.

“The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition is therefore considering a review of broad-based black economic empowerment measures to align with government priorities of ensuring industrialisation, inclusive growth, localisation and facilitating access to finance for emerging…black enterprises.

“This should be seen as a national project. All of us must be involved in this including those who benefitted under the previous system. They must be seen to be actively involved in advancing the interests of all…failing to do so could lead to lack of growth in our economy…[and] reversals. 

“All hands – black and white – must be on deck to promote transformation in our country to enable all South Africans to play a role in the economy of our country,” President Ramaphosa said.

The President told the members of the NCOP that transformation and empowerment is for the benefit of all South Africans.

“Our economy was only structured for participation by a white minority…they even passed laws to prevent everyone from participating including for jobs. 

“So, we are saying that we want to benefit all South Africans not just a few. Therefore, the process of transformation needs to be embraced by all because it is to our collective benefit.

“We are all given a chance to correct the injustices of our past as set out in our Constitution. So, I call on all of us to join hands and embark on this process of transformation,” President Ramaphosa said. – SAnews.gov.za