By Marcus Moloko
French President Emmanuel Macron has praised South Africa for hosting a successful G20 Leaders’ Summit, which is set to conclude on Sunday.
“I think South Africa can be proud of this achievement. The G20 consolidated some important points for African countries,” he said.
Macron, who has also been vocal on tensions between the United States and South Africa, visited Freedom Park in Tshwane on Friday, where he unveiled the names of 20 French citizens who supported the fight against apartheid.
Accompanied by Deputy President Paul Mashatile and Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie, Macron honoured French nationals with a wreath-laying ceremony and signed the visitors’ book.
Malcolm Fraser, Bob Hawke, and Bruce Haigh were honoured for their contributions to South Africa’s liberation.
Freedom Park, described by Mashatile as “sacred ground dedicated to all who sacrificed their lives for justice, freedom and human dignity,” provided the backdrop for Macron’s tribute.
The French leader’s presence highlighted the global solidarity that fuelled South Africa’s liberation struggle, reminding attendees that the fight against apartheid was not confined to national borders but echoed across continents.
Macron’s visit formed part of his broader programme ahead of the G20 Leaders’ Summit, hosted by South Africa under the theme “Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability”.
Speaking about tensions between the United States government and South Africa, and Washington’s decision to skip Saturday’s leaders’ summit, Macron said it was regrettable that the US was not present, but added that its absence should not be allowed to delay efforts to tackle pressing global challenges.
INSIDE POLITICS