The National School of Government’s (NSG) Acting Principal Phindile Mkwanazi says South Africa’s G20 Presidency is not only a moment of continental pride but also a moment of shared hope.
“It reflects South Africa’s long-standing commitment to solidarity with the global South, to equality among nations in an inclusive system of global governance and to sustainability as the foundation for common prosperity, the enjoyment of human rights and peaceful coexistence,” Mkhwanazi said.
‘Enablers of development’
The acting Principal made the remark at the National School of Government T20 Symposium on State Capacity and Institutional Transformation in Times of Complexity: Exploring State Capacity for Agile Public Institutions held at the University of South Africa (UNISA) in Pretoria on Monday.
Mkhwanazi said that as part of South Africa’s G20 Presidency, the country has placed emphasis on strengthening governance and institutions as essential enablers of development.
“We are convinced that in an increasingly complex and uncertain world, agile, transparent, and effective public institutions are indispensable. Developmental states that are responsive to citizens, and committed to shared prosperity, can help achieve sustainable development and lasting peace.”
She believes that successful nations are those that make strong investments in State capacity and embrace innovation.
‘Sustainable future’
“If the G20 is to succeed, it must place State capacity at the heart of sustainable development. The G20’s strength lies in fostering meaningful cooperation and driving a global skills revolution, which is essential for a fairer and more sustainable future.
“The questions before us are complex, but through honest engagement and the collective wisdom gathered here, we can advance practical ideas that strengthen not only our States, but also the multilateral system that binds us together,” she explained.
The gathering brought together leading scholars, public servants, policymakers, and governance experts to reflect on the future of public institutions, particularly their ability to respond to complexity and remain legitimate, agile, and citizen focused.
Led by Professor Zhang Weiwei, Professor and Director of the China Institute at Fudan University, the symposium explored the challenges and opportunities of governance in complex environments, critical reforms needed to strengthen state capacity, and lessons and partnerships from the G20 to build future-ready institutions.
‘Seek to find solutions’
The G20 is an international forum of both developing and developed countries which seek to find solutions to global economic and financial issues.
South Africa assumed the Presidency of the G20 on 01 December 2024, marking a historic milestone as the first African country to lead this influential group of the world’s largest economies.
It comprises 19 countries including: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Türkiye, United Kingdom, and United States and two regional bodies, namely the European Union and the African Union.
The G20 is expected to have significant economic benefits for South Africa, notably for the tourism, transport, restaurant, entertainment and hospitality industries, with global visibility in all nine provinces.
Have you noticed all the G20 signage at South Africa’s airports?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1
Subscribe to The South African website’s newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
