Johannesburg: South Africa is anticipating a significant boost in its hospitality sector as it prepares to host over 130 meetings for the Group of 20 (G20) Leaders’ Summit next year. This influx is expected due to the attendance of support staff and families of the G20 member countries.
According to South African Government News Agency, Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, shared this optimism while briefing the media on the outcomes of the Cabinet meeting held on Wednesday, 4 December 2024. South Africa took over the G20 Presidency from Brazil on 1 December 2024, marking a historic moment as the first African nation to lead the premier forum under the theme ‘Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability’.
Ntshavheni stated that hosting the G20 provides an unparalleled chance for South Africa to showcase itself as a global leader in fostering inclusive economic growth, employment, and reduced inequality sustainably. The G20 members include Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, In
dia, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Trkiye, the United Kingdom, the United States, the African Union, and the European Union.
She further highlighted that all provinces in South Africa would gain from hosting either the Ministerial or Working Group Meetings. To involve civil society more broadly, South Africa plans to host the G20 Social Summit and is introducing a new engagement group, Township20 (TS20), aimed at showcasing the innovative strengths of the country’s township economies.
The initial meetings for South Africa’s G20 Presidency, including the first Sherpa and Finance Track meetings, are set to take place from 9 to 12 December 2024 in Sandton. An official website for South Africa’s G20 Presidency has been launched, featuring the King Protea as its logo, symbolizing the nation’s identity, landscape, and cultural significance.
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) described the King Protea as embodying resilie
nce, cultural pride, hope, and natural beauty. It signifies the spirit of renewal and hope, reflecting the country’s ability to regenerate after challenges, much like the historical struggles and triumphs of its people.
In preparation for the summit, the Cabinet has invited potential sponsors to collaborate with the government in supporting the G20 in South Africa. Interested parties are encouraged to express their interest by submitting to g20sponsorship@dirco.gov.za by the deadline of 31 March 2025.