By Lesedi Sibiya-Diplomatic Insider
At the G20 Social Summit which was held in Boksburg on Tuesday, Deputy President Paul Mashatile assured civil society groups that the voice of ordinary South Africans will be heard ahead of the leader’s summit which will take place from 22-23 November at the Nasrec Expo Centre in Johannesburg.
Mashatile drew similarities between the National Dialogue which was held on the 15th of August this year, and the Social Summit as both forums aimed to be inclusive towards members of civil society and aimed to stay in touch with what the citizens of South Africa are asking for.
The Deputy President highlighted that this will serve as a significant opportunity for South Africa and the continent as a whole to advance aspirations of economic prosperity and to advance the national objectives of the country.
The participation and the membership of the African Union (AU) has proven most vital in giving Africans a platform and a voice to engage with the global landscape and to amplify the perspective of Africans.
“Africans are not merely passive participants of aid or policy, but active agents of innovation, enterprise and governance” said the South African Deputy President. The G20 Social Summit was introduced in Brazil last year when they held the presidency as the gathering was extended in the South African edition and the Deputy President has promised that the declaration from the gathering will be put forth at the G20 Leader’s Summit.
“We must acknowledge its importance as a forum that will guarantee that international leaders receive direct input from the people prior to making significant decisions” said Mashatile.
Over the last two days the Social Summit tackled issues surrounding digital inclusion, climate justice, trade and sustainable finance.
Women at the G20 Social Summit have also called on governments to prioritise humanity within their policies and wish for women to be seen as leaders.
Professor Narnia Bohler-Muller who is the head of the W20 delegation has expressed that in the past year women who have been attending the G20 gatherings have been fighting to get any ounce of attention even though they have been gathering for a common purpose.
Bohler-Muller has expressed that the platform has presented an opportunity to “reshape the global order” and has further expressed that women represent the conscience of the G20.
“We carry stories that do not fit neatly into communiques. We bring the fire of youth and intergenerational justice. A demand that the future be co-designed, and not inherited in a crisis,” said Bohler-Muller at the Social Summit.
“We bring evidence, integrity, and the courage to speak truth to power. We bring innovation and strategy to translate vision into action.” said Bohler-Muller.