By Johnathan Paoli
International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola has expressed optimism at the country’s progress on hosting the G20 Presidency.
Lamola outlined the country’s achievements and upcoming plans at the halfway point of its historic G20 Presidency, reiterating the importance of a people-centered approach in shaping global economic governance.
“Progress is not defined by the number of meetings we host or by the number of documents we deliver. Progress is defined by finding concrete and collective solutions to our challenges, and by how we improve the lives of all citizens, in particular the most vulnerable and most needy,” Lamola said.
Since taking over the G20 Presidency in December last year, South Africa has hosted 51 official meetings under both the Sherpa and Finance Tracks, as well as three Task Forces focusing on inclusive economic growth, food security and the ethical application of artificial intelligence for sustainable development.
Key priorities also include disaster resilience, debt sustainability for low-income countries and financing for just energy transitions.
South Africa is also pushing for deep reforms in global institutions, gender equality, and an overhaul of illicit financial flows, while urging climate finance predictability.
The minister confirmed that a central initiative of South Africa’s Presidency is the G20@20 Review, a comprehensive assessment of the G20’s effectiveness and evolution since it became a leaders’ forum in 2008.
He said a roadmap has already been endorsed by G20 members, and consultations, including a survey and formal discussions, would culminate in a high-level report at the Johannesburg summit in November.
“The review will help us shape the next cycle of G20 presidencies and keep this forum relevant and responsive to today’s global challenges,” Lamola said.
He emphasised South Africa’s unwavering commitment to multilateralism and the principles of the UN Charter.
Lamola highlighted outcomes from the February G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, where participants reaffirmed the need for global governance reform, particularly within the UN Security Council and multilateral development banks, and renewed urgency in achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.
During the April Sherpa meeting, South Africa and other members expressed concern over protectionist trends and unilateralism, calling for strengthened commitments to World Trade Organisation norms and a reinvigorated push for African industrialisation.
The minister welcomed the activation of 13 official G20 Engagement Groups, noting their importance in making the forum more democratic and inclusive.
South Africa will host the second G20 social summit, building on Brazil’s precedent, and the upcoming Sherpa meeting in June in Sun City will allow engagement groups to formally submit inputs for the Leaders’ Declaration.
“The G20 must reflect the voices of ordinary people, especially those affected by its decisions,” Lamola stated.
South Africa is expanding its G20 footprint with strategic meetings beyond its borders.
Addis Ababa is expected to host a Compact with Africa session in July, and a G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting is scheduled for September in New York, aligning with the UN General Assembly high-level week.
Two additional African-hosted G20 meetings are under consideration.
On 9 May, South Africa also released “Africa’s Call”, an official G20 anthem that celebrates African identity and unity.
Following the briefing, Lamola fielded questions on major diplomatic topics.
He confirmed invitations to all G20 members for the Johannesburg Summit, including the United States and Russia.
While US President Donald Trump’s attendance remains unconfirmed, Lamola noted ongoing US participation at senior official level.
He also clarified Russia’s expected high-level representation, despite President Vladimir Putin’s past absences.
Importantly, Lamola emphasised South Africa’s consultative approach in inviting additional nations such as Egypt, Nigeria, Algeria and Singapore, in alignment with G20 norms.
In response to controversy around 49 South Africans resettled to the US under “refugee” terms, Lamola clarified the sensitive and confidential nature of asylum decisions.
He discouraged politicisation of the matter, emphasising ongoing diplomatic engagement with the US.
“There is no persecution of any group. Our laws protect all citizens equally,” he said.
He reiterated that police statistics and government data did not support such claims and confirmed that the individuals underwent standard vetting procedures, saying that South Africa’s laws and platforms were sufficient to address any domestic grievances through legal and democratic means.
On trade, Lamola spoke of Special Envoy Mcebisi Jonas’s work in reestablishing economic relations with the US, including potential negotiations on critical minerals and AGOA-related issues.
A working visit by Ramaphosa to the US is in the pipeline.
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