South Africa commemorates Freedom Month in April to mark the transition from the oppressive apartheid regime to a free democratic country, and to reflect on the first democratic elections on 27 April 1994 that gave birth to our constitutional democracy.
This year’s Freedom Month will be commemorated under the theme “United in Resilience for The Defence of Our Freedom and Democracy”. The official national Freedom Day event will be celebrated on 27 April 2025 at AJ Swanepoel Stadium, Ermelo in Mpumalanga province.
H.E. The President of the General Assembly, Ambassador Philémon Yang, Your Excellences, Permanent Representatives to the United Nations, Distinguished delegates,
Ladies and gentlemen
Let me express my gratitude and that of my delegation for this opportunity to brief the United Nations General Assembly on the priorities of South Africa’s G20 Presidency, a historical first for the African continent.
In July 2005, President Nelson Mandela said “As long as poverty, injustice and gross inequality persist in our world, none of us can truly rest. We shall never forget how millions of people around the world joined us in solidarity to fight the injustice of our oppression. Those efforts paid off and we are able to stand here and join the millions around the world in support of freedom against poverty”.
These ideals mentioned by former President Mandela resonate with our chosen theme for our G20 Presidency “Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability”.
Thus South Africa has a moral obligation and responsibility to advance these ideals.
We indeed take our cue from General Assembly resolution 71/327, entitled ‘The United Nations in Global Economic Governance’ adopted on 11 September 2017, where the General Assembly, amongst others, “welcomed the practice of informal engagement between the United Nations and intergovernmental groupings that make policy recommendations or take policy decisions with global implications, including the Group of 20 (G20), through informal briefings organised at the initiative of the President of the General Assembly”.
As the resolution quite correctly stipulates, the purpose of this interaction is to amongst others, “promote transparency and coherence as well as strengthening mutual understanding and cooperation in matters of global economic governance”.
Let me from the onset reiterate that for South Africa, the United Nations and its General Assembly, with its universal representation where every country participates on an equal footing, is and will always remain the chief deliberative, and policymaking and representative organ of the United Nations the community of nations, in every sphere, including in global economic governance. In this respect, the work being done in the G20, an informal grouping, seeks to support, contribute to and reinforce the reform efforts of already existing processes of the United Nations and its organs in a complimentary manner, rather than pursuing parallel processes.
The Pact of the Future, adopted at the UN’s Summit of the Future in 2024, presents a significant opportunity to revitalise global governance. South Africa is working to ensure that the actions of the Pact of the Future are integrated into the G20 agenda to ensure its full implementation. We highly appreciate the leadership role that you, the President of the General Assembly, are playing in driving Pact implementation, including the dialogue on Means of Implementation that will be held this week.
Distinguished delegates,
As we convene here today, we are amidst what the United Nations Secretary-General has referred to as a global polycrises. The interconnected nature of the threats facing humanity today, from extreme poverty and hunger to escalating geopolitical tensions and fragmentation, global warming, pandemics, energy and food insecurity, extreme poverty and inequality to rising intolerance and armed conflict, is causing further hardship and suffering, jeopardizing our collective future, particularly that of generations to come.
One of the greatest impediments to growth, development and stability is the persistence of inequality within and between countries.
Furthermore, we are in a race against time to meet the deadline that we have set for ourselves to reach the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
In this address at the G20 High Level Opening Session in New York on 25 September 2024, President Cyril Ramaphosa remarked that “With less than six years to go before the 2030 deadline for the achievement of the UN Agenda for Sustainable Development, we are at a crucial inflection point in humankind’s history. The imperative of sustainable development has become all the more crucial. It cannot be business as usual. It cannot be more platitudes and empty promises”.
In response to this dire state of the international situation that we have put forward as the theme of our G20 Presidency.
Through solidarity, we seek to achieve a future that is people-centred, development- orientated and inclusive. In an interconnected world, the challenges faced by one nation affect all nations.
By advancing equality we seek to ensure fair treatment, opportunities and advancement for all individuals and nations, irrespective of their economic status, gender, race, geographic location or other characteristics.
Sustainability is about meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs.
Interwoven in this theme is the African philosophy of Ubuntu, which underpins our leadership and vision for our G20 Presidency. The spirit of Ubuntu – the profound belief that ‘I am because we are’ – further reminds us of the interconnectedness of humanity. Likewise, our challenges can only be resolved through cooperation, collaboration and partnership, because no challenge and no triumph exists in isolation. They require responses that are inclusive and coordinated. Cooperation is our greatest strength and our most powerful weapon.
Distinguished delegates,
South Africa’s G20 priorities and deliverables are aligned to the original G20 mandate of promoting Strong, Sustainable, Balanced and Inclusive Growth.
Our four overarching priorities thus seek to address those challenges that stifle the ability of our world, in particular the Global South to achieve our desired levels of growth and development.
Firstly, we are working to strengthen disaster resilience and response.
Secondly, we are focusing on means to ensure debt sustainability for low-income countries.
Under this priority, we are also undertaking a Cost of Capital Review that is intended to deliver a comprehensive expert review on the issues impacting the cost of capital for developing economies which could help address future debt sustainability issues and the related fiscal space challenges.
Thirdly, under the priority of mobilising finance for a Just Energy Transition.
And finally, we are seeking to harness critical minerals for inclusive growth and sustainable development.
Under this priority, South Africa is also taking forward the outcomes of the 2024 report of the UN Secretary-General’s Panel on Critical Energy Transition Minerals.
Distinguished delegates,
The South African Presidency of the G20 has introduced three Task Forces that will bring together role players across the Sherpa and Finance Tracks and various Working Groups. These are:
Task Force 1: on Inclusive Economic Growth, Industrialisation, Employment and Reduced Inequality.
Task Force 2: on Food Security
Task Force 3 on Artificial Intelligence, Data Governance and Innovation for Sustainable Development.
The work of this Task Force will complement the Global Digital Compact that was adopted as part of the Pact of the Future. We are pleased that the UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Digital and Emerging Technologies is one of our technical partners on this Task Force.
Additional initiatives under our Presidency include the following:
A Broadened Compact with Africa 2.0: Building on the German G20 Presidency’s Compact with Africa deliverable, South Africa will work with all G20 members to pursue a G20 broadened and effective Compact with Africa (CwA).
Review of the work of the G20: A review of the work of the G20 during its first full cycle: A Reflection on Key Achievements and the way forward, feature as one of South Africa’s deliverables
Building on the successes of the past three presidencies led by the Global South (Indonesia (2022); India (2023); and Brazil (2024)), South Africa is also, through both the Sherpa and Finance Tracks:
Championing reform of the multilateral trading system and the international financial architecture, including strengthening of multilateral development banks,
Addressing the challenge of Climate Change,
Promoting diversity, equity and inclusion,
Advocating for Gender Equality, and
Pursing enhanced international tax cooperation and addressing illicit financial
Your Excellences,
2025 will mark the 80th Anniversary of the United Nations and its lodestar document, the UN Charter, and the 20th Anniversary of the World Summit on Social Development. In South Africa, we are celebrating the 70th anniversary of the adoption of the Freedom Charter, which is the cornerstone of our democratic Constitution. Indeed, anniversaries provide us with the opportunity to assess progress, challenges and propose solutions relevant to the present.
South Africa strongly believes that we need to strengthen the multilateral system and enhance international cooperation to solve the complex challenges facing the world today. The erosion of multilateralism therefore presents a threat to global growth and stability, and it should be vigorously contested.
It is thus imperative that we place the respect for the Purposes and Principles of the UN Charter, international law, international humanitarian law and human rights at the centre of our discussions on the global geopolitical situation.
We must also appreciate that the world today is a different place compared to what it was in 1945 when the United Nations was established. Today, most UN member states are from the developing world. We thus need to amplify the call for the UN to be reformed and made fit for purpose for today’s realities. This includes the revitalisation of the General Assembly, ECOSOC and the reform of the United Nations Security Council.
Your Excellences,
We greatly welcome the African Union’s inclusion in the G20, which is an opportunity to amplify Africa’s voice in global economic governance, whilst ensuring that the development priorities of the African Continent and the Global South find expression firmly, and permanently onto the agenda of the G20.
As a group representing 80% of the world’s population and 85% of global GDP, the G20 has a role to play in terms of providing impetus in pursuit of solutions to address some of the urgent challenges confronting humanity and the planet we share.
South Africa also notes the complementarities and synergies between our G20 Presidency, the Pact of the Future, the FfD4 process, the Second World Summit for Social Development 2025 and COP30. The G20 has held discussions on FfD4 and is considering the opportunity to contribute constructively to ambitious outcomes to close the sustainable development financing gap and reform the international financial architecture.
The United Nations and the G20 cannot work in isolation. And so, South Africa is championing cooperation, collaboration and partnerships– between countries, individuals and groups during its G20 Presidency.
There should be a collective recognition that the United Nations remains the most relevant global and international platform for tackling challenges and threats to peace and security, addressing poverty and development, and ensuring the protection of human rights.
Strengthening cooperation between the G20 and the UN is essential to foster coherence and synergy between both agendas.
The conflicts in Africa, Europe and the Middle East continue to exact a heavy human toll and heighten global insecurity. As the international community, we must continue to advocate for diplomatic solutions. Inclusive dialogue is the foremost guarantor of sustainable, lasting peace.
In line with the G20’s New Delhi Declaration, “all states must refrain from the threat or use of force to seeks territorial acquisition against the territorial integrity and sovereignty or political independence of any state. The threat of use of nuclear weapons is inadmissible”
It is our strong conviction that today’s era must be that of peace.
South Africa has showed firm resolve in its foreign policy, by promoting principles of justice, solidarity, equality, peace and respect, underpinned by its commitment to human dignity and to leaving no one behind.
We see the G20 Summit in November 2025 as a forum where cooperation and collaboration amongst global leaders will be taken to a higher level. This will be South Africa’s enduring legacy in the G20.
Let me conclude your Excellences, by reminding this august gathering of very apt remarks delivered by former President Nelson Mandela at the UN World Summit for Social Development, 20-years ago on 12 March 1995. He said:
“We are gathered here to answer one question: how does humanity cooperate to build a better life for all. If this question sounds trite in its simplicity and too familiar in its rhyme, it is because this challenge has been with us for millennia….We either rise together as humanity, or together fall”,
I thank you for your attention and look forward to engaging further.
Fair and inclusive trade is important for growth and jobs in SA
Dear Fellow South African,
Trade between nations is a vital part of economic progress.
That is why, as part of our G20 Presidency, South Africa is promoting a trade agenda in which G20 members commit to measures to promote expanded, more inclusive and more sustainable value chains.
I recently came across an inspiring story of a farmer from Elukwatini in Mpumalanga that highlights how deepening G20 trade can support the growth of local industry. In February, Bongani Thobela took part in the world’s largest fresh produce trade fair in Germany, a G20 member and the third largest market for South African exports. There he was able to meet potential buyers and has since secured an export license and sent samples of his produce to Germany and China.
He was part of an initiative by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition to support local producers to attend international trade fairs and exhibitions to expose them to international markets. This reflects our conviction that greater exports of a more diverse variety of goods and service are essential for the growth of our economy and the creation of more jobs.
We are committed to measures that support industrial development and bolster the value of our exports. At the same time, we are pursuing a trade policy that uses international trade agreements to secure fairer terms, promote market access and facilitate expansion into new markets.
Developing economies such as ours are vulnerable to volatility in international trade. This is particularly the case in the face of unilateral actions and coercive measures that undermine multilateral agreements and the global rules-based trading system.
We are therefore working in different ways to make our domestic industries more resilient.
To bolster the value of our exports we are strengthening the regulatory regime. For example, last month we signed the Plant Health Act into law. This will improve domestic biosecurity and ensure there is greater alignment with international export requirements.
We are intensifying our efforts to diversify destinations for South African goods, products and services.
Last year marked a number of ‘firsts’ for South African agricultural exports. We gained access to the Thailand market for apples for the first time in 16 years and exported our first container of avocados to Japan. This month we also gained market access for South African table grapes to the Philippines.
We are deepening relations with countries and regions with which we have regional and bilateral trade agreements that provide preferential trade terms. These include the Southern African Customs Union and the Southern African Development Community Free Trade Area.
We are working to make effective use of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Last year, we commenced trading under the AfCFTA. A shipment of ‘Made in SA’ consumer goods, copper, cement, electrical and pharmaceutical goods and fresh produce left the port of Durban for markets elsewhere on the continent.
At last month’s European Union-South Africa Summit in Cape Town we signed a trade and investment package worth around R90 billion. This package will support the export of more SA-made products into the EU.
We are increasing investment in domestic industries that contribute to exports. The 2025 Budget allocates increased funding to boost manufacturing and agro-processing, as well as for incentive programmes that strengthen local value chains and open access to key international markets.
As we undertake all these measures, South Africa will continue to advocate for a level playing field in global trade.
Trade must remain free, predictable and governed by a rules-based system. This is particularly critical for developing economies, many of which remain locked into the lower end of global value chains.
South Africa endorses the reform process underway within the World Trade Organisation (WTO) that seeks to address deficiencies in the global trade regime that work against developing economies.
South Africa remains committed to maintaining favourable relations with existing trade partners and to forging new trade relationships.
As Government, business and labour, we will continue to deepen our collaboration as we navigate a global trade environment that has become increasingly complex.
Our ultimate goal is to secure favourable trade terms that advance our national interest, drive inclusive growth and create jobs for the South African people.
Last week, Parliament adopted the 2025 Fiscal Framework and Revenue Proposals as tabled in the Budget Speech by the Minister of Finance.
The 2025 Budget is directed at growing the economy and supporting the livelihoods of our people.
It is a critical instrument to drive development, eradicate poverty and narrow inequality. At a time of constrained economic growth and narrow fiscal space, the budget must direct sufficient resources to activities that encourage inclusive growth and lay the groundwork for sustained economic recovery.
It reflects the strategic priorities of the Government of National Unity: inclusive growth and job creation, reducing poverty and tackling the high cost of living and building a capable, ethical and developmental state.
The Budget advances Government’s commitment to uplift the material conditions of South Africans.
Once our debt repayments have been taken out, 61% of spending over the next three years has been allocated to the social wage. This includes the provision of free primary healthcare, basic and tertiary education and housing. Over the past 24 years we have implemented an indigent policy under which free water, electricity and sanitation services are provided to qualifying households.
Social grants, like the child care, old age and disability grants, are another tool for alleviating poverty. This year, the value of these grants will increase at above inflation. The Social Relief of Distress grant, which has played an important role in poverty alleviation, will also be extended for another year.
As part of improving access to healthcare, there will be a higher allocation of funding to clinics and community health centres. We are investing in the recruitment and retention of health personnel, particularly doctors and nurses, and to employ newly qualified doctors after their community service ends.
The Budget allocates substantial funds to other frontline services such as teachers, police, emergency personnel and the Border Management Authority.
Improving educational outcomes is key to community upliftment, development and producing the skills needed by our economy. Budgetary allocations have been made to support teacher training, for expanded mother-tongue bilingual education and for early reading programmes. This year sees a substantial investment in early childhood development, reflecting our commitment to establishing a solid foundation for the development of every child.
Additional funds have been allocated to public employment programmes, which play an important role in providing work opportunities at a time when economic growth is constrained.
To encourage entrepreneurship, funds have been made available to support small businesses. Adjustments are being made to the Employee Tax Incentive to further incentivise businesses to hire more young people.
South Africa’s expenditure on the social wage can only be sustained if there are higher levels of economic growth. The Budget allocates considerable resources to encourage infrastructure development, which drives growth and job creation.
Taken together, up to R1 trillion will be spent on infrastructure over the medium term. This includes the allocation in this Budget of an additional R62 billion over the next three years for road maintenance, electricity transmission lines, water and sanitation projects, school infrastructure and to support the ongoing recovery of our rail networks.
Support is also provided to other growth-enhancing measures in the medium term, including incentive programmes in automotive, business process outsourcing, special economic zones, electric vehicle production, clothing and textiles and other sectors.
The 2025 Budget makes adjustments to allocations to municipalities to enable them to address their infrastructure needs, improve service delivery and improve their revenue collection systems.
In a challenging economic environment – both locally and globally – this year’s Budget supports measures to drive growth and relieve the effects of poverty. At the same time, it aims to stabilise public finances and continue to reduce our national debt.
The Budget reflects the priorities of Government’s Medium Term Development Plan, a five-year programme of action that prioritises rapid, inclusive growth, creating a more just society and building state capacity.
At a time when our singular focus must be the South African people, we need to use the limited resources we have to work together for the common good.
A clear path towards efficiency in water and sanitation delivery
Dear Fellow South African,
Last week government convened a landmark National Water and Sanitation Indaba to develop a clear plan for resolving challenges in the sector.
The Indaba brought together delegates representing national and local government, water boards, catchment management entities, the South African Local Government Association, scientific experts, innovators and the private sector.
The recommendations emanating from the Indaba give cause for great optimism.
A number of the suggestions and solutions are focused, evidence-based and accompanied by clear delivery timelines.
As the suggested solutions are implemented, we will chart a new course for the management of this most critical of resources.
The Government of National Unity has prioritised achieving a secure and reliable water supply to sustain communities and support economic growth.
Delegates were tasked with developing a sustainable turnaround plan that harnesses the momentum of the structural reform process initiated under the sixth administration.
These include reinstating the Drop water quality monitoring system, significantly improving the turnaround time for processing water use license applications, and a Raw Water Pricing Strategy.
The establishment of a National Water Resource Infrastructure Agency is one of the most significant reforms in the sector to date.
The Agency will be responsible for developing and managing national water infrastructure, and will mobilise financing for water infrastructure.
Water infrastructure build is currently on an upward trajectory.
The Infrastructure Fund has to date secured R23 billion for seven large water infrastructure projects including Phase 2 of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project, the Polihali Dam, and the Ntabelanga Dam on the uMzimvubu River.
The Indaba resolved that there should be deeper collaboration between the Water Partnerships Office and the private sector to mobilise financing over the next three years.
A number of innovative financing models are being explored, including Green and Blue Bonds.
A resolution was also taken to forge more non-commercial water provision partnerships with industrial sectors. A successful model of this kind is the Olifants Management Model project in Limpopo in partnership with mining houses.
Water delivery implementation models and processes will be subject to rigorous review. By way of example, the process for the appointment of capable Water Service Providers will be standardised, and capacity assessments will be introduced for water boards.
A large percentage of South Africa’s purified water is being lost to leaks from municipal distribution systems.
Water Services Authorities will have to develop mitigation programmes that include adequate budgets for maintenance, reducing leaks, closing illegal water connections and strengthening metering, billing and revenue collection.
Demand management is an imperative.
Government will roll out an extensive public awareness campaign to encourage people and businesses to use water sparingly.
The crackdown on corruption and organised crime in the sector is being intensified.
A National Water and Sanitation Anti-Corruption Forum will be set up in collaboration with the Special Investigating Unit.
A number of SIU investigations into allegations of fraud and corruption at several water boards have already been completed, and have resulted in resignations, dismissals, and criminal charges.
In line with the resolutions taken at the Indaba, Water Service Authorities have to develop water infrastructure security plans to combat vandalism and theft of infrastructure within six months.
The Indaba further resolved that communities should be more actively involved in the protection of our country’s water infrastructure. One of the promising proposals that will be considered is setting up water committees in communities.
The overwhelming consensus at the Water and Sanitation Indaba was that all efforts need to be made to support municipal authorities to fulfil their service delivery mandate.
Minimum competency regulations for water service providers will be developed, and municipalities will have to urgently fill key technical positions.
It was further resolved that mechanisms should be urgently developed to capacitate municipalities to utilise their Municipal Infrastructure Grant and Urban Settlements Development Grant for infrastructure upkeep.
The resolutions taken by the Water and Sanitation Indaba, once successfully implemented, will help us turn the tide in our ongoing efforts to improve service delivery and build a capable, ethical, developmental state.
As the old adage goes, water is life.
A well-functioning, efficient water and sanitation sector isn’t just a constitutional imperative and a driver of development. It also instils business and investor confidence that in turn spurs economic growth and job creation.
Working together as all spheres of government, business, communities and civil society, it is within our means to give effect to the constitutional right to access clean water and sufficient sanitation, and to achieve the water security our country needs.
We need to stand up for the human rights of all people
Dear Fellow South African,
Last week we observed Human Rights Day, a day that honours the 69 unarmed protestors who were killed by the apartheid police in Sharpeville on 21 March 1960.
Since the advent of democracy, we have strived to build a society that recognises the injustices of our past, while advancing reconciliation and national unity.
That is why as a country we have chosen 21 March as an occasion to recommit ourselves to the advancement of human rights for all.
At the dawn of our democracy, we chose the path of reconciliation and nation-building. The people of this country supported the adoption of a Constitution and a Bill of Rights that guarantees the human dignity of all regardless of their race, gender, culture, religion ethnic or social origin, age, disability, language or birth.
As South Africans should be proud of the fact that the majority of South Africans continue to believe in democracy, human rights and the rule of law as universal values.
Since the dawn of democracy South Africans have been able to exercise their rights freely, and many know that they can approach our independent courts and the institutions supporting democracy if their rights are infringed or violated.
We can be proud that South Africans are confident they have a voice and a say in how their country is run, demonstrated by the fact that we have held successive free and fair elections since 1994.
In South Africa today, all citizens, African, white, Indian and coloured, male and female, enjoy equal rights and freedoms that the state is obliged to uphold, protect and advance.
In South Africa today, there are constitutional protections guaranteed to all racial, cultural and linguistic groups, including their right to enjoy their culture and to use their language.
As South Africans we should therefore reject the politics of divisiveness that is emerging in many parts of the world. In particular, we should challenge the completely false narrative that our country is a place in which people of a certain race or culture are being targeted for persecution.
We should not allow events beyond our shores to divide us or turn us against each other.
Since the end of apartheid our country has been recognised globally for upholding human rights. The free flow of ideas and opinions are vital to democracy and to having a vibrant society.
Even those with the most offensive views should know that in democratic South Africa, and unlike many other parts of the world, our Constitution guarantees the right to freedom of expression, as long as it does not include incitement to violence or advocacy of racial and other hatred.
Reflecting on the perilous state of human rights in many parts of the world today, including the resurgence of racism, South Africa’s path of reconciliation and nation-building becomes all the more important.
As the United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has observed, “a toxic legacy of historic enslavement, colonialism and discrimination” continues to infect many parts of the world.
Since we attained our freedom, South Africans have been steadfast in our solidarity with peoples everywhere who are facing persecution, discrimination and the violation of their rights.
Human rights are universal and indivisible. As South Africa we stand in solidarity with all those whose right to lead lives of dignity are being undermined by conflict and war.
The UN human rights system must be strengthened so that the enjoyment of human rights is no longer the preserve of some.
As a country we will continue to repeat our call for a renewed global human rights movement so that the rights and dignity of all people should be upheld.
As we reflect on the state of human rights in South Africa during this month, let us be proud of our achievements as a country. At the same time, let us recommit ourselves to working together to ensure our human rights culture is upheld and strengthened.
South Africa and the European Union look to the future
Dear Fellow South African,
On Thursday last week, we had the privilege of hosting European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa at the 8th Summit of South Africa and the European Union in Cape Town.
As a bloc, the European Union (EU) is one of South Africa’s largest trading partners and the source of much investment in our country. Our economic ties with European countries go back to colonial times. Since the advent of democracy 30 years ago, we have steadily been growing the volume and value of trade.
This summit will be remembered as a watershed moment in the development of our trade and investment relations. While expanding our traditional areas of cooperation, we are now focused on working together to develop the industries of the future.
We agreed to work towards a Clean Trade and Investment Partnership. This partnership will support the development of value chains that are more environmentally sustainable. It will make South Africa and the EU more competitive in a low-carbon global economy by improving conditions for investment in the extraction and local beneficiation of rare minerals, renewable energy, low carbon hydrogen and clean technology.
This partnership will improve cooperation between South Africa and the EU on some of the regulatory issues that constrain greater levels of trade. This work should enable South African companies to export products like sustainable fuel and electric and hybrid vehicles to the EU.
One of the most important outcomes of the summit was the announcement by the EU of an investment package worth €4.7 billion – around R90 billion – to support investment projects in South Africa. This package will include grants and loans from European financial institutions and businesses.
Among other things, this investment will be used to build South Africa’s vaccine production capacity and boost local pharmaceutical value chains. The package will also support South Africa’s just energy transition through the development of critical raw minerals and low carbon hydrogen. In addition to investments in transport and digital infrastructure, the package will provide resources for skills development.
We will work with our EU partners to develop the industries that process our natural resources into finished goods for export. This creates more jobs here in South Africa and ensures that our country derives a greater benefit from our natural resources.
We agreed on further cooperation in the areas of education, science, technology and innovation, specifically providing opportunities for young people to acquire skills through greater investment in education and science.
At a time of great geopolitical turmoil, the summit reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of South Africa and the EU to multilateralism, the consistent application of international law and the centrality of the United Nations Charter. We agreed that a collective effort was needed by all countries to overcome global challenges such as climate change, pandemics, rising inequality and conflict.
The EU shares South Africa’s view that the UN Security Council needs to be reformed so that it is more inclusive, efficient and democratic. In its composition and actions, the Security Council needs to better reflect the realities of today’s world. We also agreed to strengthen efforts to safeguard and advance human rights across the world.
As a G20 member, the EU expressed its support for South Africa's G20 Presidency and its emphasis on solidarity, equality and sustainable development. It welcomed South Africa’s focus on forging partnerships between G20 members and other African countries.
The summit confirmed the great alignment between the South Africa and the EU on matters of global and continental significance. We share a vision of a just, peaceful and more equal world order in which all countries are able to develop and thrive.
We share similar views on how to navigate these difficult times, by standing together to uphold the principles of the UN Charter, to adhere to international law and to strengthen the institutions of global cooperation.
Above all, we are committed to the mutual well-being and development of the peoples of South Africa and all the member states of the European Union. We have a shared vision of the future and we are determined to work together to achieve it.
Effective early learning is the best investment in our future
Dear Fellow South African,
Last year, our country achieved a record matriculation pass rate of 87%. This is a welcome sign that efforts to transform our education system are bearing fruit.
However, too many learners drop out of school before writing matric and others struggle to get good marks, in part because they do not get the grounding they need in the early learning years.
Last week the 2030 Reading Panel, which was set up to look into early-grade level reading skills, released a report showing that 80% of Grade 3 learners cannot read for meaning in any language, including their home language. Similarly stark findings for South Africa were revealed in a recently published study that surveys Trends in International Mathematics and Science capabilities in Grades 4 and 8.
Mastering basic skills in reading and maths at foundation level often determines how a learner will perform later in school and beyond.
That is why the Basic Education Sector Lekgotla held in Gauteng last week focused on expanding Early Childhood Development (ECD) and improving numeracy and early grade reading.
One of the most damaging effects of Bantu Education was the deliberate neglect of black children when it came to the provision of foundation years learning. One study published in 1992 found that during apartheid only 6% of black children had access to quality ECD programmes, compared to one third of all white children.
We have spent the last 30 years trying to correct this. This effort has now received greater impetus with the passage of the Basic Education Laws Amendment Act. This Act makes Grade R, the reception year before Grade 1, compulsory.
Through an enhanced focus on ECD, the Act will help ensure that young children are better prepared for formal schooling. Early Childhood Development plays a critical role in developing early literacy, early numeracy and social-emotional skills during an important time in a child’s cognitive development.
Children who attend quality pre-primary programmes tend to have larger vocabularies, better number awareness, stronger perceptual skills, improved social skills and greater curiosity.
Quality ECD provision promotes social equality. Children from poor families benefit most from access to ECD. As the learning journey progresses, quality ECD is also linked to better transitions into high school, lower repetition and dropout rates, and better academic performance overall.
The Basic Education Sector Lekgotla discussed how best to realign the existing education curriculum to strengthen foundational learning, including through ongoing assessments, scaling up teacher training and development, and expanding the provision of ECD learning and teacher support material.
In addition to its negative impact on future learning, weaknesses in early literacy and numeracy narrow the careers options that learners will have later in life.
It is widely recognised that investing in science, technology, engineering and mathematics education is key to economic growth, job creation, productivity and economic competitiveness. Such education prepares young people for a diverse range of occupations that are most needed by a growing economy.
A recent report by the World Economic Forum on the future of jobs shows that the need for science, technology, engineering and mathematics related jobs are fast outstripping ‘traditional’ occupations, which are on the decline in the face of technological advances. Our basic education system has to produce learners that are able to find work in an ever-changing knowledge and technology based global economy.
The efforts of the Department of Basic Education to strengthen the provision of technical and vocational pathways to learners in high school are therefore to be welcomed. Even in more industrialised economies than ours, technical and vocational training is recognised as a solid pathway to employment and entrepreneurship.
The World Bank’s recent South Africa Economic Update pointed to basic education as a key enabler of inclusive growth in South Africa. It highlighted a set of potential reforms, including prioritising foundational years and focusing on building numeracy and literacy capabilities.
Better educational outcomes in basic education are linked to broader social and economic development. Education is a powerful tool to break the cycle of poverty, to uplift individuals and communities, and to bringing about a more equitable society.
As was evident from the Basic Education Sector Lekgotla, all stakeholders in the education space are committed to prioritising foundational learning as the most effective means to enable young South Africans to succeed and thrive far into the future.
Let me first express South Africa’s deep appreciation to you all for what has been a very productive First Foreign Ministers’ Meeting under South Africa’s G20 Presidency. I further thank the members of the G20 Troika, Brazil and the United States of America, for their support and cooperation during our G20 Presidency.
This meeting had two main purposes:
To have a high-level strategic discussion on the global geopolitical environment and its impact on our work; and
A reflection on South Africa’s G20 Presidency priorities and High-Level Deliverables.
The meeting was opened by H.E. President Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa who, inter alia, welcomed Foreign Ministers and Heads of Delegations, and elaborated on South Africa’s priorities.
The First G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting under South Africa’s Presidency:
Noted that the First G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting under South Africa’s Presidency was historic as it was the first G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on the African Continent.
Expressed support for the theme of South Africa’s G20 Presidency: Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability and its priorities and High-Level Deliverables, namely: Strengthening disaster resilience; Ensuring debt sustainability for low-income countries; Mobilising finance for a Just Energy Transition; and Harnessing critical minerals for inclusive growth and development; in relation to High-Level Deliverables: Task Force One – Inclusive Economic Growth, Industrialisation, Employment and Reduced Inequality; Task Force Two – Food Security; and Task Force Three – Artificial Intelligence, Data Governance and Innovation for Sustainable Development. Furthermore, we have proposed the following Additional Initiatives: Review of the Work of the G20; a Cost of Capital Review; a Broadened Compact with Africa 2.0; and an Initiative on Critical Minerals.
The South African Presidency took note of the fruitful discussions and inputs on the various priorities and High-Level Deliverables which will enrich our work as we elaborate in-depth on these in the various streams of work during 2025. We can assure you that all the views expressed will be considered as we progress with our work during this year. We look forward to the active participation and contributions of all your delegations.
Reaffirmed the role of the G20 as the premier forum for international economic cooperation and underscored the collective responsibility of the G20 for the effective stewardship of the global economy, fostering the conditions for sustainable, resilient and inclusive global growth, as a critical element of the broader multilateral system.
Noted with concern the slow progress being made in the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the 2030 Agenda. To this end, the meeting stressed the need for urgent action to accelerate efforts and reaffirm the G20’s strong commitment to the SDGs in line with the theme, Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability.
Stressed that ongoing conflicts across the globe are detrimental to economic development and the attainment of the SDGs. The impact of war on education and health was highlighted as a major concern by some participants. To this end, sustainable investment in conflict prevention and peacebuilding was underscored.
Concerning ongoing conflicts and war in Africa, the Middle East and Europe, the meeting reiterated that all states must act in a manner consistent with the Purposes and Principles of the United Nations Charter.
Affirmed that all parties in conflicts must comply with their obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law and international human rights law. Guided by these principles, there was agreement to support all efforts towards a just peace in Ukraine, Palestine, Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo and other major conflicts around the globe.
Recognised the widening geopolitical divisions which have contributed to fostering a climate of distrust, thus threatening to unravel progress made to address pressing global challenges such as poverty, climate change, pandemics, nuclear proliferation and armed conflict.
Expressed support for South Africa’s proposed working methods on managing geopolitical issues during its G20 Presidency namely; that the G20 Sherpas, Ministers of Foreign Affairs and the Leaders will engage on these matters and that the Working Groups will focus exclusively on technical issues.
Noted that 2025 will mark the 80th Anniversary of the United Nations and reaffirmed the commitment to strengthening multilateralism and that all states must act in a manner consistent with the Purposes and Principles of the United Nations Charter.
Underscored the need to reform the international system of global governance, inclusive of the international financial architecture, the multilateral trading system, and the multilateral development banks.
Further stressed the need to reform the United Nations to make it fit for purpose and relevant to the current international reality. This includes reform of the Security Council.
Expressed support to the forthcoming Fourth Financing for Development (FFD4) Conference set to take place in Seville, Spain in June 2025 and the 2025 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 30) which will convene in November 2025 in Belém, Brazil.
There was support and recognition that African voices need to be heard and elevated in the work of the G20 as well as in finding solutions for addressing the world’s most pressing global challenges.
South Africa noted the requests made by delegations regarding specific information on the operationalisation of the Task Forces as well as the Cost of Capital Review.
Recalled paragraph 84 of the 2024 G20 Rio de Janeiro Leaders’ Declaration, where G20 Leaders made a commitment to “evaluate the G20’s first full cycle of presidencies under South Africa’s Presidency and, with full respect to the principles agreed at the Cannes Summit in 2011, provide recommendations to the second cycle, including a roadmap for future presidencies”.
South Africa undertook to present a four-stage roadmap of this proposed G20 review, including a briefing on the recommended approach and survey methodology, which will involve the participation of G20 members, guest countries and invited stakeholders. The final report will be presented for adoption at the final G20 Sherpa meeting taking place from 16 – 19 November 2025.
