World leaders have descended upon South Africa for the highly anticipated G20 Summit, marking the first time the summit is held on African soil. The summit presents a significant opportunity for South Africa to showcase itself as a key global player.
High-profile figures including France’s President Emmanuel Macron, Chinese Premier Li Qiang, and Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer have already arrived, greeted by South African officials. The summit is being held at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg.
Cost Concerns Raised
However, the excitement surrounding the G20 Summit is tempered by growing concerns over the costs involved. Mmusi Maimane, leader of Build One South Africa and chairperson of parliament’s standing committee on appropriations, has formally requested a detailed breakdown of all expenses related to hosting the summit.
Maimane emphasized the committee's constitutional duty to oversee public spending and ensure fiscal responsibility. He stated, “To fulfil this mandate, we need a full and updated picture of how much South Africa will spend on hosting the G20.”
Projected Costs and Demands for Transparency
In 2024, the projected total cost was R691 million, with R194 million allocated to the Leaders’ Summit and R497 million for Sherpa Track meetings. The R194 million budget for the Leaders’ Summit included significant expenses for accommodation (R32 million), ground transport (R25 million), and venues (R104 million).
Maimane is now demanding the latest cost figures, including any adjustments or additional funding approved since the initial estimates. The goal is to ensure transparency and accountability in the use of public funds, even while acknowledging the importance of a successful summit.
The G20 Summit promises to be a pivotal event for South Africa, but the focus on costs highlights the need for careful financial management and open communication with the public.