Mashatile promises Social Summit that voices of ordinary people will be heard at G20 Leaders' Summit

BOKSBURG - Deputy President Paul Mashatile has assured the G20 Social Summit, a gathering of civil society groups, that he will ensure the voices of ordinary people are heard when leaders meet this weekend to conclude South Africa’s G20 presidency.

Officially opening the Social Summit in Boksburg on Johannesburg’s East Rand on Tuesday, Mashatile has drawn parallels between the Social Summit and the country’s National Dialogue, both of which aim to be inclusive, people-driven forums.

Mashatile said that South Africa’s G20 presidency has provided the unprecedented opportunity not only to advance its national objectives, but also the aspirations of the continent.

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The deputy president said that the African Union’s membership of the G20 had been pivotal for amplifying African perspectives.

He said the global south was increasingly asserting its voice that development should be inclusive, focused on people, and driven by the youth.

"Africans are not merely passive recipients of aid or policy, but active agents of innovation, enterprise and governance."

This being only the second G20 Social Summit after being introduced by Brazil when it hosted the bloc last year, Mashatile has vowed the declaration from this gathering will be tabled before G20 leaders.

"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."

Over the next two days, the Social Summit will grapple with issues of digital inclusion, climate justice, trade and sustainable finance.