Johannesburg: The countdown to South Africa assuming the Presidency of the G20 from December 1, 2024, to November 30, 2025, under the theme: ‘Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability’ has begun. The Leaders Summit is set to be held in Johannesburg, Gauteng, while the Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) is collaborating with other provinces to host Ministerial and Working Group meetings. The South Africa G20 programme launch is scheduled for December 1, 2024, as announced by Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, during a post-Cabinet briefing.

According to South African Government News Agency, South Africa will participate in the upcoming G20 Summit on November 18 and 19, 2024, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, alongside 19 member countries. President Cyril Ramaphosa has highlighted that when South Africa takes over the G20 Presidency later this year, the focus will be on the priorities of Africa and the Global South. South Africa is set to assume the G20 Presidency from December 2024, approximately five ye
ars before the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development deadline.

President Ramaphosa has emphasized South Africa’s commitment to promoting people-driven, sustainable development as a signatory to the Pact for the Future. He stated that the country would prioritize the needs and aspirations of both the continent and the Global South during its G20 Presidency.

Meanwhile, the South African Cabinet has welcomed the filing of South Africa’s memorial to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which details how the government of Israel has violated the Genocide Convention by promoting the destruction of Palestinians in Gaza. The memorial, spanning over 1300 pages and supported by exhibits and annexures, contains evidence of alleged genocidal acts by Israel and its failure to prevent incitement to genocide.

The memorial submission occurs amid increasing violence in Gaza and concerns over potential similar actions in Lebanon. The Cabinet described the memorial as a reminder to the global community of the atroc
ities against Palestinians and urged solidarity to prevent further catastrophe. This filing aligns with a United Nations resolution condemning Israeli actions against Palestinians.