G20 Town Hall at UKZN Sparks Dialogue on Global Co-operation and Local Impact

The University of KwaZulu-Natal, in partnership with the University of South Africa (Unisa) and the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), hosted a G20 community town hall at UKZN’s Westville campus in the run-up to the G20 summit, which South Africa is hosting next month.

Speaking on behalf of Vice-Chancellor and Principal Professor Nana Poku, Professor Freddy Mnyongani, Dean and Head of UKZN’s School of Law, warmly welcomed delegates to the town hall, noting that the gathering embodies a shared commitment to dialogue and participation in the G20 process. “By holding this engagement, we affirm that South Africa’s presidency and participation is not only a symbolic achievement, but a worthwhile opportunity to translate global discussions into tangible benefits for our communities,” said Mnyongani.

Dr Philisiwe Myeza, Unisa Regional Director for KwaZulu-Natal, delivered a message from Unisa’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Puleng LenkaBula. Myeza, a UKZN alumna and former staff member, said the upcoming summit was not only a diplomatic milestone but a moment of renewal and opportunity. “It is anticipated that the G20 summit will serve as a catalyst for economic development, generating employment opportunities and fostering initiatives that support global development agendas,” said Myeza.

DIRCO’s Mr Nelson Kgwete outlined the state of readiness for the G20 and briefly explained the history of formation of the G20 and South Africa’s participation in the international forum of developing and developed countries. “South Africa’s membership in the G20 has always been driven by advancing the African agenda,” said Kgwete.

The event featured a panel discussion titled: ‘Climate Change, Reform of Global Financial Institutions, International Relations and National Interest’ – moderated by Dr Suhayfa Bhamjee from UKZN’s School of Law. Panellists included UKZN’s Professor Thea van der Westhuizen, Dr Mzwanele Ntshwanti (Unisa College of Economic and Management Sciences), UKZN’s Dr Sanele Gumede, Professor Sagie Narsiah (UKZN College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science) and Mr Kgwete, who focused on global co-operation and local impact.

The interactive town hall also included contributions from various sectors, including student leaders and civil society. Mr Andile Ndlela, Unisa’s KZN regional student representative council (RSRC) Chairperson, Ms Wendy Shazi (deputy secretary of the Unisa Law Students Association) and social activist and social entrepreneur Mr Simo Nzama ensured that the voices of the youth, women and social activists were heard.

Moderator, Unisa’s Mr Siyabonga Seme said: “We are trying to ensure that the voices that ultimately go to the G20 summit are not the voices of the elite, are not the voices of the people that you normally see on television – but are the voices of genuine South Africans, ordinary people that you meet on the street.”

Ndlela advocated for developing and manufacturing technology in South Africa to address economic issues. “The African economy and the South African economy are not growing because of external investors who come to South Africa to invest on their own terms,” said Ndlela. “As South Africans, we have the capacity to build a car on our own. Denel can build a plane – what’s stopping us from building a simple thing – a car?”

He added that the government should invest in young people as they are the future leaders of the country, and also raised the matter of access to land.

Shazi said the G20 is a chance for the youth to add their voices to a “constructive global conversation.” She said the youth from townships are “often left behind, voiceless as they have no exposure, access and recognition, but have a significant impact on our economy through organic provision of traditional craftmanship that attracts tourists while keeping our culture alive.”

“I pray that the G20 doesn’t only focus on big corporates, on big business or big entities, but builds inclusive economies where opportunities are provided for all,” she said.

Nzama, popularly known as ‘See More Possibilities’, paid tribute to his mentor, van der Westhuizen, for taking him “under her wing back in the day.”

“I am a social entrepreneur – I’m more focused on creating solutions. When there are problems – I convert problems into profit,” said Nzama.

He urged students from urban townships and deep rural areas to “ride the wave of the G20” and asked them to go home to have a positive impact. “We get into these institutions, we become learned, we become sophisticated, and then we tend to shy away from the places where we are coming from, how I wish that the G20 could be taken into our backyard. It is G20 – but in my thinking, we can create something called GTownship so that we can have these conversations in our backyards – in our own language, in our own vernac,” he said.

Nzama gave away one of the funky glasses he has manufactured, part of the ‘See More Possibilities’ brand, to a student and urged attendees to build their brands and “take advantage of your name – make money with your name.”

The town hall was facilitated by Dr Maureen Tong, a UKZN alumna, member of UKZN’s Council and Director for Special Projects and International Relations for Unisa.

Entertainment included a poetic Isicathamiya rendition (UKZN) and an energetic performance by Babuse Zulu dancers (Unisa), and sign language interpreters were present to ensure the event was inclusive.

To view the discussions, visit UKZN’s YouTube channel.

Words: Raylene Captain-Hasthibeer

Photographs: Sethu Dlamini