Political parties question value of almost 100 G20 meetings

Political parties have questioned the value of the almost 100 G20 meetings held so far this year under South Africa's Presidency, with the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) saying it appears merely to be a tick-box exercise.

The EFF has bemoaned the choice of service providers and the apparent lack of benefit to black-owned businesses and disadvantaged groups.

While the MK Party has demanded to know how many lasting jobs have been created.

The planning for the final weeks of the event came under scrutiny in parliament on Wednesday as it emerged that organisers are still short of R153-million to plan for the leaders’ summit in November.

The MKP and the EFF both delivered harsh criticism of the Department of International Relations about the tangible legacy of South Africa's G20 Presidency.

The Democratic Alliance's (DA) Ryan Smith also said he hoped it would not amount to an expensive talkshop only.

The MK Party's Wesley Douglas said while his party was not anti the gathering, he suspected the economic impact of the year-long Presidency to be minimal.

"Our people can’t eat communiques. And they can’t eat declarations, they can’t live off the brochures and the good, fancy things."

READ: Opposition MPs bemoan SA's over R150m shortfall to host G20 Summit

But International Relations Chief Director Dave Malcomson assured MPs that while there’s uncertainty about how the US will carry on the G20 programme next year, South Africa’s Presidency will conclude with an agenda for the future.

" We've been very clear all along that we will not be a presidency of retrogression. So, it would be better not to have an outcome if it means compromising to the point that we go backwards on key issues."

Meanwhile, International Relations Chief Financial Officer Hlengiwe Bhengu said R149 million had been raised through sponsorships from the private sector and the presidency has approached 31 private companies to help fund the shortfall needed to conclude the G20 programme.