By Johnathan Paoli
The Gauteng government has emphasised the importance of collaboration with higher learning institutions, underscoring the need for inclusive discussions that involve young people and local communities.
The University of Johannesburg hosted the G20 provincial launch and dialogue, marking the first in a series of discussions leading up to the highly anticipated G20 Summit later this year.
Gauteng spokesperson Vuyo Mhanga spoke at the event which brought together academics, policymakers and thought leaders to discuss pressing global and national issues, with a focus on technology, geopolitics and South Africa’s foreign policy.
“The province is of the view that let us use the institutions of higher learning because you have young people there. Let us go to communities and start engaging with them so that we can have this partner-based conversation,” he said.
A central theme of the dialogue was the role of technology in shaping modern economic and social structures.
International relations expert Oscar Van Heerden highlighted the rise of “techno-feudalism,” pointing out that tech billionaires like Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg and Jeff Bezos have gained unprecedented control over capital and influence.
The conversation then shifted to global power dynamics, with Van Heerden noting the increasing tensions between the United States and China.
Asharf Patel, a senior researcher at the Institute for Global Dialogue, noted that South Africa must present a unified voice at the G20.
As an example of this, Patel praised the Think 20 (T20) as a key component of the G20, providing research-based policy recommendations to global leaders.
“Over 800 abstracts have been received from people in different G20 countries who are part of the T20, representing academics and organizers,” he said.
The dialogue also shed light on the role of youth in South Africa’s foreign policy.
The South African Youth Association for Global Affairs (SAYAGA) expressed concern over the exclusion of young people in public diplomacy.
SAYAGA representative Alex Mosetshana maintained that the country’s youth was very much excluded in the strategy of public diplomacy.
“Each year, we have graduates who do not even understand the basics of South Africa’s foreign policy or national interests,” Mosetshana said.
He warned that this lack of awareness could lead to young people inadvertently supporting foreign interests over national priorities.
The launch event at UJ set the stage for ongoing conversations that will inform policies and strategies leading up to the summit.
With technology, economic shifts and youth engagement at the forefront, the discussions aim to ensure that South Africa’s participation in the G20 is both meaningful and impactful.
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