“This is South Africa at Work”: Minister Ntshavheni on G20 Social Summit

Ekurhuleni: The global gaze will begin to turn towards Gauteng this week, as it hosts the people-centred G20 Social Summit on Tuesday. According to South African Government News Agency, the summit, a platform for stakeholders from every part of society, will be held at the Birchwood Hotel in Ekurhuleni, Gauteng, from Tuesday, 18 November to Thursday, 20 November 2025. Following a walkabout at the venue on Sunday, Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, assured that preparations have progressed well, stating that everything is ready and emphasizing the importance of partnerships with the private sector and civil society. Ntshavheni highlighted the involvement of delegates from various provinces, including the Western Cape, Eastern Cape, North West, and KwaZulu-Natal. She emphasized the collaborative approach of the government and civil society, expressing pride in the 5,000 delegates expected to attend, who range from individual activists to representatives of various structures from districts and local municipalities. The Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) stressed that the summit is a platform for all South Africans, not just world leaders. The G20 Social Summit aims to ensure that global leaders hear directly from South Africans from all walks of life, whose voices are crucial in shaping policies on jobs, food security, energy, equality, and sustainable development. Participants will include official G20 engagement groups, informal interest groups, civil society organizations, community organizers, and more. The summit serves as a bridge between high-level decision-makers and grassroots movements, integrating social priorities into economic frameworks and strengthening democracy by allowing marginalized groups to be heard at a global level. Key themes and priorities to be explored during the summit include fighting hunger and poverty, climate action and justice, equality and inclusion, job creation and skills development, digital inclusion, and sustainable finance. These align with South Africa's G20 Presidency theme: Solidarity, Equality, and Sustainability. The South African Government News Agency emphasized that South Africa's historic G20 Presidency elevates African perspectives and priorities on the global stage. By hosting this summit, the country positions itself and the continent as key players in shaping international policies on social justice, sustainable development, and economic equality. The presidency is rooted in Ubuntu, bringing compassion, dignity, and shared humanity into global governance.