Johannesburg: Deputy Minister in the Presidency Kenny Morolong has emphasized that South Africa’s G20 Presidency presents a significant opportunity to influence global discourse by centering the lived experiences of Africans. Morolong described this role as momentous for South Africa, Africa, and the developing world, which houses the majority of the poor and rural communities.
According to South African Government News Agency, Morolong shared these insights during the G20 Social Dialogue with the community of Frankfort in the Free State. The G20, which consists of the world’s 20 largest economies, will hold its summit in Johannesburg on 22-23 November 2025 under the theme ‘Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability.’
Morolong underscored that the decisions made at the G20 are impactful, affecting food prices, infrastructure investment, employment opportunities, and resource allocation to education and technology. These decisions go beyond theoretical debates, as they shape the conditions under which people live, learn, and work.
The Deputy Minister highlighted that South Africa seeks more than just global visibility through its G20 Presidency; it aims to align global cooperation with community priorities. The chosen theme reflects national values and urgent necessities, emphasizing solidarity, equality, and sustainability.
Morolong noted the importance of reducing inequality to ensure that growth benefits reach all, especially in bridging gaps between rural and urban areas, the wealthy and the poor, and the digitally connected and disconnected.
A key focus of South Africa’s G20 Presidency is transforming the digital economy. Morolong stressed that internet access is a gateway to opportunities and must be treated as a basic right. Under the G20 Digital Economy Working Group, South Africa is promoting universal broadband access, digital skills development, and inclusive data policies.
Morolong also emphasized the significance of ethical standards in technology to prevent bias, protect privacy, and ensure that African data contributes to tools that resonate with local realities and languages. South Africa assumed the G20 Presidency on 1 December 2024, marking a historic milestone as the first African state to lead, coinciding with the African Union’s full membership.