South Africa opened a significant chapter in its international diplomacy on Monday, stepping confidently into its first presidency of the Group of 20 (G20). Against the backdrop of a world grappling with inequality, climate crises, and shifting power dynamics, the nation’s leadership comes imbued with themes that feel as personal as they are global: solidarity, equality, and sustainability.
The opening of the first G20 Sherpas Meeting in Johannesburg was marked by a sense of purpose. In a room brimming with diplomats and policy architects, Raymond Lamola, South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, stood to address the delegates. His message was clear, resonant, and, above all, human.
“Ubuntu teaches us that our humanity is bound together, that our destinies are shared,” he began, invoking the philosophy of interconnectedness deeply rooted in South Africa’s identity. “We must confront today’s challenges together, through practical partnerships and solutions that leave no one behind.”
This spirit of Ubuntu forms the heart of South Africa’s presidency, which began on 1 December. It aims to turn the G20—a forum often seen as dominated by economic powerhouses—into a platform for addressing the urgent needs of vulnerable nations.
Lamola’s speech outlined bold priorities, from creating resilience against natural disasters to tackling the suffocating debt burdens of low-income countries. He spoke of mobilising resources for a just energy transition, not as a distant dream, but as an imperative for survival in the face of a warming planet.
The stakes are high, and Lamola knows it. “This presidency is not about lofty rhetoric but about finding collective, actionable solutions to the issues that matter most,” he said.
The Sherpas, who are personal representatives of G20 leaders, hold a unique role in translating political commitments into practical outcomes. For South Africa, their importance is magnified. Lamola unveiled plans to merge the Sherpa and Finance tracks—a symbolic move that signals the country’s intention to break down traditional silos and foster cohesion.
Three temporary task forces, along with a commission and a new initiative, will focus on inclusive economic growth, food security, employment creation, and technological innovation. These efforts, he stressed, are deeply aligned with the African Union’s Agenda 2063, a framework aimed at transforming Africa into a global powerhouse of the future.
Lamola did not shy away from the challenges that lie ahead. The room grew quiet as he acknowledged the deepening poverty, climate shocks, and divisive geopolitics that threaten to widen the gulf between nations. His words carried the weight of realism but also a flicker of hope.
“Now more than ever, the world needs multilateral institutions that reflect fairness, inclusivity, and justice,” he said, calling for the reform of global organisations to ensure their mandates align with the needs of the present.
For South Africa, this presidency is as much about listening as it is about leading. Lamola’s call for “practical, mutually beneficial cooperation” was a nod to the often-unspoken tensions within the G20. It’s a group where the interests of the powerful often overshadow the struggles of the vulnerable. Yet, South Africa’s message was one of bridge-building—a commitment to ensure every voice is heard, every nation represented.
The Sherpas Meeting, which runs until 10 December, will set the tone for what promises to be a year of intense negotiations and earnest collaboration. It will be followed by the Finance and Central Bank Deputies Meeting, where the nuts and bolts of South Africa’s vision will begin to take shape.
There’s a palpable sense of both urgency and possibility as the presidency begins. For South Africa, this moment is not just about fulfilling an international mandate but about bringing its values—its Ubuntu—to the world stage. In a fractured world, perhaps this is the kind of leadership we need.
