By Akani Nkuna
Limpopo Premier Phophi Ramathuba has encouraged local businesses to take advantage of the province’s prime location and economic opportunities, urging young people to pursue leadership in diplomacy, business and governance.
Ramathuba also called on community leaders to collaborate with the government in shaping polices that would propel Limpopo’s development forward, saying that this inclusive approach aimed to create a conducive environment for businesses to thrive.
“We, therefore, urge local businesses to seize the trade and investment opportunities that come with our province’s strategic location and economic potential,” the premier said.
Ramathuba was speaking at a G20 outreach programme at the University of Venda on Friday. It was attended by representatives from the Limpopo government, business sector, members of the diplomatic corps and other dignitaries from some of the G20 member states.
“This G20 community outreach is more than just a formal engagement. It is a bridge between international policy and local realities.
“It is an opportunity for our business community, our youth and our entrepreneurs to engage with global economic conversations and position themselves to benefit from South Africa’s role in the G20,” Ramathuba added.
The premier reaffirmed Limpopo’s commitment to fostering a business-friendly environment for international investors, promoting small business growth and ensuring economic transformation reached all the areas of the province.
“As we continue to invest in infrastructure, education and industrialisation, we invite the global community to be part of Limpopo’s growth story. We are committed to fostering an environment where international investors find a home, where small businesses thrive and where economic transformation reaches every corner of our province,” she said.
Ramathuba invited the stakeholders to recognise that Limpopo’s local ambitions aligned with the global agenda and played a vital role in building a prosperous, inclusive future.
Moreover, that the discussions at the G20 outreach programme should lead to concrete actions—policies that supported entrepreneurship, investments that empowered youth, and initiatives that strengthend Limpopo’s role in South Africa’s economic growth.
“It is with great pride that we host this G20 community outreach, knowing that it symbolises not just Limpopo’s readiness to engage with the world but also the world’s recognition of our province’s potential,” she added.
Meanwhile, Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Thandi Moraka, stated that the G20 provided a suitable platform for South Africa’s presidency to advocate for its vision of establishing a capable, ethical, and developmental state, aimed at reducing poverty while promoting inclusive growth and job creation.
“At a continental level, and to advance South-South relations, South Africa is using its G20 presidency to shine the spotlight on the African Union’s Agenda 2026 – The Africa We Want – and to champion the aspirations and interests of the developing world in general,” she added.
Moraka highlighted South Africa’s key priorities, including advancing the UN 2030 Agenda and Sustainable Development Goals, ensuring food and energy security, promoting industrialisation, boosting trade, securing sustainable funding to tackle debt and climate challenges, and enhancing financial and technical support for pandemic preparedness and response.
“The G20 is a platform to mobilise for predictable, sustainable and low-cost financing for sustainable development, which will assist African countries to tackle the debt crisis and promote green trade, investment, jobs and growth,” she said.
Morake acknowledged that South Africa, especially the Limpopo province, was abundant in crucial minerals vital for industrialisation, the global energy shift, technological progress and inclusive growth. She emphasised that it was time for the province’s residents to begin benefiting from these valuable resources.
“South Africa’s G20 presidency aims to champion an inclusive framework that ensures resource-rich nations and communities, in places like Limpopo, can benefit equitably from their mineral wealth,” she said.
South Africa will host a G20 Social Summit alongside the Leaders’ Summit, aiming to involve communities beyond the 13 Official G20 Engagement Groups. Morake highlighted the importance of including people from Limpopo.
The department will hold over 85 in-person meetings nationwide, with five in Limpopo.
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