G20 Summit | Parks Tau on trade discussions

The article is a transcript from SABC News broadcasting live from the G20 Leaders Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, on its second and final day at the Nasrec Expo Center. Amid ongoing summit coverage, the report highlights a developing story: Hosazana Bongani Zuma Mub, the firstborn daughter of former President Jacob Zuma, issued a statement claiming that eight of her family members are among 17 South African men trapped in Ukraine. These men were allegedly lured to Russia under false pretenses and forced to fight in the Ukraine war by a Russian mercenary group without consent. Following President Cyril Ramaphosa's directive for an investigation, Zuma Mubu opened a criminal case on November 22 at Sandton Police Station against named individuals—Dudley Zuma, Sambula, and Blessing—for their roles in the incident. The SABC politics team will continue monitoring this story. The broadcast then shifts to a live media briefing by Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition Ebrahim Patel (referred to as PDA or Pakau), who addresses the summit's outcomes and implications. He emphasizes the reaffirmation of a multilateral system, intense negotiations leading to agreements on global trade, WTO reforms, industrialization, financing for development, and debt relief, particularly benefiting Africa and South Africa. Despite the US absence (sending only a junior delegation), Patel notes no negative impact on trade relations yet, with ongoing engagements compartmentalized from the summit. He welcomes China's zero-tariff policy for least developed African countries, stating South Africa is engaging through domestic processes involving the customs union, labor, civil society, and business to align with WTO rules. On bilateral deals, Patel highlights the recent conclusion of a trade agreement with the EU in Johannesburg, ongoing talks with India (terms of reference shared), and various non-trade agreements across departments. He regrets the US's non-attendance, viewing it as a loss of influence in key global discussions on trade, debt, and development. Regarding AGOA (African Growth and Opportunity Act), negotiations remain active despite US government shutdown delays; South Africa plans to lobby US Congress now that it has resumed. To track progress without a permanent G20 secretariat, Patel mentions President Ramaphosa's establishment of two advisory panels, follow-up via bilateral agreements, UN resolutions, the 2024 WTO trade ministers' meeting in Cameroon, and accountability for commitments. Implementation will involve regional African blocs, critical minerals programs, debt burden initiatives, and partnerships, ensuring the Africa agenda's centrality translates into tangible actions beyond South Africa's presidency. The anchor concludes that the summit underscores South Africa's diversification efforts, the importance of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and the need to avoid tit-for-tat responses to the US snub. Conversations, including bilaterals and multilateral follow-ups, will persist post-summit, with President Ramaphosa expected to deliver closing remarks. The report reflects optimism for consolidating economic ties and holding partners accountable for G20 declarations.