By Celani Sikhakhane
- KwaMbonambi residents and taxi drivers told officials they want the G20 Summit to bring investment and jobs for unemployed youth.
- Many locals said they knew little about the G20 but welcomed education about how it could help rural communities.
Rural residents of KwaZulu-Natal say they are hoping the G20 Summit will bring real change to their lives by helping South Africa attract more investment and create jobs.
This came out during a community engagement held at the KwaMbonambi taxi rank near eMpangeni on Wednesday. The session was organised by the KwaZulu-Natal government through its communication agency, the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS).
Taxi drivers, informal traders and residents shared their worries about the struggling economy and high unemployment. Many said they wanted South Africa to use its position at the summit to convince global partners to invest more in the country.
Thuthukile maMdletshe Msane, 73, said rural people were desperate for jobs and opportunities.
“We are hoping as rural people that this summit will come up with something tangible to fight unemployment,” she said. “Many of our young people have turned to crime because there are no jobs. We just want to see real results, not more talk.”
Some residents said they had little knowledge of the G20 but appreciated being educated about its purpose.
The G20 Summit will take place from 22 to 23 November in Gauteng. It brings together the world’s largest economies to discuss solutions to global challenges such as poverty, unemployment, and climate change.
This year, South Africa is hosting under the theme “Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability.”
Pictured above: GCIS officials educate KwaMbonambi residents about the upcoming G20
Summit and its impact on South Africa’s economy.
Image source: KZN GCIS
