Oratile Matsapola
The collaboration between the Department of Planning Monitoring & Evaluation (DPME) and South African Association of Public Administration and Management (SAAPAM) along with Tshwane University of Technology held a two-days G20 summit at Emperors Palace from 27-28 March 2025. The seminar focused on the theme: South African G20 presidency, Advancing partnerships for innovation in research for development.
The gathering provided the platform for stakeholders such as government agencies, the commercial sector, research institutes, universities, academics and civil society organizations to engage, exchange ideas and come up with solutions on critical issues.
Deputy Minister in Presidency Planning Monitoring and Evaluation Hon. Seiso Mohai delivered an address. On his address, the deputy minister emphasised the importance of this seminar. “This G20 seminar is a vital forum for generating valuable insights and addressing pressing challenges. It is an opportunity to explore critical solutions that can drive our economies forward while ensuring sustainability and inclusivity”, Mohai. He continued by outlining the key objectives of the seminar which are Educating, Encouraging Civic Engagement, Policy advocacy and Expert Opinion Sharing. The deputy Minister also added on the unemployment issue that as the DPME together with SAAPAM, to conduct a nationwide engagement and provide platforms for young people, especially university postgraduate students, to actively participate in identifying solutions for the job creations that must result from hosting the G20.
Several notable academic dignitaries attended the seminar, including Prof. Mashupye Maserumule, Dean of Tshwane University of Technology, and Puleng Lenkabula, Vice Chancellor and principal of the University of South Africa. Prof. Maserumule discussed some crucial aspects regarding the G20’s membership, which includes the UN. He claimed that it will allow South Africa to ensure that African points are consolidated. Prof Maseremule added that is that academics should not make policies that are only suitable for the media, but for the people of South Africa and scholarship must be answerable to public goods.
Vice Chancellor and Princiapl, Prof LenkaBula’s keynote address touched on the role that academic institutions, research, and higher education can play in advancing both domestic and global G20 goals. She indicated that “Academic research on global issues on the G20 agenda, including climate change, global health, post-pandemic economic recovery, and sustainable development, is crucial,” LenkaBula said.
To produce data and policy suggestions that serve both South Africa’s national interest and the larger objectives of the G20, she continued, “South African universities and research institutions have the opportunity to collaborate with their international counterparts.” On the second day of the seminar Dr Metji Makgoba presented under “Black Contestations over Black Economic Empowerment in the context of G20” his critical examination aimed to contribute to meaning of understanding of BEE’s challenges and opportunities and to spark a thoughtful discussion on how South Africa can leverage its G20 presidency to promote more inclusive and equitable economic growth that truly benefits South Africans.
The outcomes of the seminar will contribute to South Africa’s G20 agenda, focusing on building a future that is inclusive, resilient and sustainable for all. The event aimed to generate actionable recommendations and innovative policy solutions to guide community in confronting critical issues such as inequality, unemployment and poverty.
The seminar had a critical milestone in South Africa’s leadership of the G20, with continued focus on fostering solidarity, equality and sustainability in global development.
What a powerful and timely seminar! It’s uplifting to see South Africa taking such an active and inclusive approach to its G20 presidency by prioritizing innovation, academic collaboration, and youth engagement. The commitment to not only discuss global issues but to develop actionable solutions rooted in local realities shows real leadership. Bringing voices from academia, government, and civil society together is exactly what’s needed to shape policies that are both practical and people-centered. Big respect to SAAPAM, TUT, and DPME for creating this platform—this is how meaningful change starts.