logo
Flurry of engagement during SA's G20 presidency

Flurry of engagement during SA's G20 presidency

eNCA03-05-2025

JOHANNESBURG - South Africa takes up the leadership of the V20, as it builds up to November's G20 Summit.
This is under the theme Living Values: Enabling Solidarity, Equality, and Sustainable Development.
The country will present its vision for values-based leadership, highlighting dignity, ethical governance and equity, to address the nation's social and economic challenges effectively.
According to Dr Dumisani Magadlela says V20 brings ubuntu and values of humanise into the centre of doing business globally.
"We can't have economic growth if we are not moving together." he said.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

G20 alert — the assault on information integrity is intensifying
G20 alert — the assault on information integrity is intensifying

Daily Maverick

time4 hours ago

  • Daily Maverick

G20 alert — the assault on information integrity is intensifying

The Group of 20 is easily dismissed as a talk shop with little substance. The gathering of ministers and heads of state of the world's richest economies is dissed for being a bloated bureaucracy, a clubby talkshop that lacks legitimacy, inclusivity and impact. It passes by the general public annually as background noise. But thanks to Donald Trump and his theatrical threats, it is well known not only in South Africa but globally that this year's G20 is being hosted by President Cyril Ramaphosa – the first time an African head of state has been handed the honour. What remains background noise are the engagements taking place weekly in the build-up to the G20 Summit in November, which is centred on three core themes: solidarity, equality and sustainability. Just take a glance at the packed G20 calendar to get an idea of the weighty agenda right now. The G20 programme encompasses 13 engagement subgroups from an array of interests, including the O20 (Oceans), C20 (Civil), W20 (Women), B20 (Business) and Y20 (Youth). The absence of Media in the formal structure is conspicuous. But no matter, the media has a window of opportunity to nudge public interest issues onto the agenda, and into key declarations, through the creation of its own M20. The M20 is a parallel, collaborative initiative operating outside the G20 tent. This year, it has been initiated by the SA National Editors' Forum, Media Monitoring Africa and other partners. Key media issues elevated during the Brazil G20 presidency in 2024 are being pursued again. Priorities are information integrity, artificial intelligence, copyright, sustainability and climate reporting. The starting blocks are already in place, emerging from the 2024 G20. The Digital Economy Working Group published a declaration that incorporates attention to the importance of digital inclusion for all, and the Brazilian government launched a Global Initiative for Information Integrity on Climate Change. There is an urgency to build on these gains, especially at a time of heightened unaccountability, counterfeit journalists, deepfakes, bullying, attacks on journalists and a daily struggle by the media to stay afloat. It is hard to keep track of the assaults on media and threats to information integrity. This week, for instance, a journalist in Ethiopia, Ahmed Awga, was given a two-year jail sentence for ' disseminating hateful information via a Facebook post he did not author'. In South Africa, the Mapungubwe Institute for Strategic Reflection issued a 'fake news' alert after an analysis about the interest of Elon Musk's Starlink in South Africa was circulated on X under the false pretence that it was penned by its executive director, Joel Netshitenzhe. Also in South Africa, word broke that the Mail & Guardian, which this year celebrates its 40th anniversary of gutsy investigative journalism, is on its knees and slashing jobs to stay afloat. In the US, all remaining staff at Voice of America were expecting termination notices, 'effectively shutting down the international broadcasting network, according to Politico. Yet, against this disruptive backdrop, the first published M20 policy brief notes that the G20 programme gives less attention to information integrity this year compared with 2024. The G20 will, however, host a workshop on generative AI 'and its evolving ability to produce high-quality deepfakes at a lower cost, and the impact on information integrity, and consideration of possible recommendations'. The policy brief, which is open for comment, spells out both the potential for the G20 to make a difference, and the threat in the media space right now: 'Media engagement on the G20's interest in 'information integrity' can make a difference as to whether journalism's strength and standing can make gains – or if current troubling media trends stay as they are, or go more horribly wrong.' Right now, the outlook is bleak. The public interest media space is wilting, as the offensive against information integrity is advancing. Now is not the time to let cynicism silence a call to action. DM Janet Heard is involved in the M20 initiative. She writes in her personal capacity.

Joburg's budget aims to combat rampant crime and improve safety
Joburg's budget aims to combat rampant crime and improve safety

IOL News

time6 days ago

  • IOL News

Joburg's budget aims to combat rampant crime and improve safety

The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department has been allocated more resources to tackle crime across the city. The Johannesburg Central Business District (CBD), once a vibrant epicentre of finance and commerce, is now grappling with an alarming rise in crime that casts a long shadow over its efforts for revitalisation. But there is a glimmer of hope, with the city yesterday announcing new plans to tackle the scourge. As the police force employs various strategies to enhance security, the persistent issues of theft, robbery, and hijackings have put both residents and businesses on edge. The CBD's reputation for being a high-crime area is not unfounded, as reports indicate a worrying trend in criminal activity. Victims recount harrowing experiences, from being held at gunpoint during daylight hours to having their vehicles forcibly taken in broad daylight. The subject of the high crime rate in the province featured prominently in the White House last week when the South African delegation was hosted by the US government. Last year, Gauteng Premier was quoted as saying the crime in the province is giving him ''sleepless nights'. However, this could change if the City of Johannesburg has its way. Yesterday, the City of Joburg's pledge to protect residents from rampant crime across the municipality should come as a relief; moreover, as the city prepares to host world leaders later this year. Johannesburg will be hosting the G20 Summit, a meeting of heads of state and government held from 22 to 23 November 2025 Finance MMC Margaret Arnolds has announced increased resources for the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD). Arnolds tabled the R89.4 billion budget for the 2025/26 financial year at the council chambers in Braamfontein yesterday.

Ramaphosa deems Oval Office visit a success
Ramaphosa deems Oval Office visit a success

eNCA

time7 days ago

  • eNCA

Ramaphosa deems Oval Office visit a success

CAPE TOWN - President Cyril Ramaphosa has deemed his meeting with US President Donald Trump a success. Ramaphosa, along with a delegation of ministers, businesspeople and golfers, visited the White House to mend relations with South Africa. In an ambush, Trump presented the delegation with what he deemed as 'proof' of a white genocide in South Africa. Despite this, Ramaphosa says it all went well. He says there were three main aims to the White House visit. First was the restoration of trade and diplomatic relations between the two countries. Another was to hold discussions around the G20 Summit.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store