By: Refilwe Mochoari
Investments and economic development were the centre of attention during the Free State chapter of a two-day G20 cultural diplomacy roadshow that took place in Bloemfontein on 6 and 7 August under the theme Advancing Cultural Diplomacy to building a sustainable country.
This roadshow takes place exactly 103 days before the upcoming G20 meeting, which is expected to take place in Johannesburg in November this year.
Free State Premier MaQueen Letsoha Mathae hosted hundreds of delegates from across the country, and amongst those attending were ministers, members of the executive committee, international and local businessmen.
The G20 is an international forum comprising 20 heads of state from across the world's largest developing and developed economies.
G20, amongst others, includes presidents from Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Türkiye, the United Kingdom, and United States and two regional bodies, namely the European Union and the African Union.
These are the world’s major economies, representing 85% of the global GDP, 75% of international trade, and two-thirds of the world’s population.
In February this year, Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Nomalungelo Gina, said South Africa's presidency takes place when the world is facing a series of overlapping and mutually reinforcing crises, including climate change, underdevelopment, inequality, poverty, hunger, unemployment, technological changes, and geopolitical instability.
In her keynote address at the Bloemfontein City Hall on Thursday evening, Letsoha-Mathae said the Free State as a province is rich in untapped potential, voicing that it is a land of vast opportunity, where culture, industry, and innovation converge to shape a prosperous future.
She said the province is ready for investment in all five districts and called upon investors to come on board.
During her speech, she mentioned that through the Free State Development Corporation, the provincial government will partner with various Small to medium enterprises to facilitate the occupation of the industrial premises
Addressing the dignitaries and delegates, Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Anna Thandi Moraka, echoed the national commitment to ensure the G20 is felt by every South African and African.
“This G20 is about the citizens of South Africa and Africa. It must be taken to all the people and be a source of pride for all Africans,” said Moraka, reinforcing President Cyril Ramaphosa’s vision for inclusive global engagement.
