Moses Kau

By Thabo Mosia- As Johannesburg hosts the landmark G20 Leaders’ Summit from 22 to 23 November 2025 at the Nasrec Expo Centre, international relations expert Moses Kau has shared a balanced view on its potential impacts. In a statement highlighting both short-term local gains and longer-term continental benefits, Kau acknowledges the valid concerns of ordinary citizens while pointing to opportunities for job creation, infrastructure upgrades, and economic injection. This comes amid ongoing preparations that have sparked debates over spending in a city grappling with unemployment and service delivery issues. The summit, the first on African soil, brings together leaders from 19 member states, the European Union, the African Union, and guest countries, putting South Africa firmly back on the global map.

Kau’s insights reflect broader sentiments as South Africa
navigates its G20 presidency under the theme of solidarity, equality, and sustainability. With projections of thousands of visitors boosting local businesses, the event could provide a much-needed lift to Gauteng’s economy, even as critics question immediate benefits for the average person.

Understanding Local Frustrations:

Spending Versus Everyday Needs
Kau starts by recognising the gripes of Johannesburg residents over the costs tied to hosting the summit. “The frustrations of residents of Johannesburg on the amount of money their City and province would have spent on the preparations and hosting which some argue, does not or will not benefit the ordinary citizens and the unemployed, can be pardoned,” he says. Indeed, preparations have involved significant outlays for security, infrastructure tweaks, and logistics, with the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure deploying over 3,500 extra police officers and the military on standby.
Residents in areas like Soweto and Alexandra have voiced concerns that funds could better address pressing issues such as water shortages, potholes, and joblessness, which stands at around 32% nationally. Protests planned around the summit, including calls for a national shutdown against femicide and unemployment, underscore these tensions. However, Kau argues that while benefits may not be instant, the event’s ripple effects could extend beyond the elite, fostering growth that trickles down over time.

Short-Term Boost: Jobs, Tourism, and Infrastructure Upgrades

On the immediate front, Kau highlights a potential economic surge for Johannesburg, Gauteng, and even neighbouring spots like Parys in the Free State. “The benefits for South Africa (and the African Continent), coming out of the G20 Summit will not be immediate. What may be immediate, is the local economic boost, for Johannesburg and Gauteng province, and to some extent, towns in Gauteng’s neighbouring provinces such as Parys in the Free State. That is, if those responsible for tourism, (facilities and products) have done their home work,” he notes.
He predicts thousands of jobs from the influx of delegates, media, and tourists, alongside lasting infrastructure improvements. “It will create thousands of jobs, infrastructure upgrades (we have already seen in Johannesburg City Centre which we hope will be everlasting and will be extended to other towns and Cities),” Kau adds. Recent city centre revamps, including road repairs and enhanced public spaces, align with this, potentially benefiting locals long after the summit.
Drawing parallels with events like the Mangaung African Cultural Festival in the Free State, Kau points to proven economic multipliers. “In the Free State alone, (though I do not have latest statistics for recent hosting of MACUFE; LEMO Fest, and CUFA), when the Free State hosts MACUFE alone, it easily generates between R90 million and R130 million. Now you can imagine hosting the 19 G20 Member States; the Representatives of, the European Union (EU), the African Union (AU), additional 12 or so countries that South Africa has invited as Guests countries.”
Past studies back this: MACUFE has injected over R90 million into Mangaung’s economy through visitor spending, creating opportunities for small businesses. For the G20, estimates suggest millions—if not billions—flowing into Gauteng via hotels, transport, and eateries. With over 10,000 delegates expected, local tourism could see a spike, similar to the 2010 FIFA World Cup’s R93 billion boost to South Africa’s GDP.

Global Stage and Africa’s Agenda: Debt, Markets, and Food Security

Kau praises the summit’s role in elevating South Africa internationally, despite US President Donald Trump’s boycott over alleged “racist” policies. “The G20, but for the shenanigans of the United States, has put South Africa firmly on the global stage. Much as was the case during the time of President Mandela,” he says. This visibility echoes Mandela’s era, when South Africa emerged as a diplomatic powerhouse post-apartheid.
On broader fronts, Kau sees South Africa driving Africa’s priorities. “On the broader political and economic front, the G20 puts South Africa in the driving seat to put Africa ‘s Agenda on the Agenda of the G20 (pardon the pun). Matters of Africa’s debt (incouding us because le rona re dikolotong tse tshabehang as a government and nation to world banks), our ability of our products to access international markets, food security, and, and, and,” he explains.
The agenda includes debt relief, with Africa’s US$1 trillion burden in focus, alongside fairer trade and food security amid climate threats. South Africa’s push for multilateral development bank reforms and just energy transitions could unlock investments, benefiting the continent’s 1.4 billion people.

Challenges Ahead: Non-Binding Decisions and Potential Paralysis

Kau tempers optimism with realism, noting geopolitical hurdles. “Other matters, may not get the necessary consensus, especially due to geo-politics and inherent contradictions, which may guarantee the paralysis of the G20, especially on cetinetious issues. Also, the fact that decisions of the G20 are often non-binding which then sadly determines whether they will be implemented or not. In that case, that situation turns the G20 into a forum for discussions with no decisive action. So, ha re beheng dipelo sekotlolong,” he cautions. The Setswana phrase urges patience, reflecting the non-binding nature of G20 outcomes, which rely on voluntary follow-through.
Issues like the US boycott and divides over Ukraine or Gaza could stall progress, turning the summit into talk without teeth.

A Balanced Outlook: Tangible Gains Amid Uncertainty

Wrapping up, Kau concludes that while political wins are not assured, economic perks will follow. “All in all, even though positive outcomes on political issues is not guaranteed, the G20 will indeed produce negligible results and economic benefit for South Africa and the Continent.” (Note: “Negligible” may intend “tangible,” given the context of benefits outlined.)

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Moses Kau

Expert Moses Kau Weighs In: G20 Summit’s Economic Promise for South Africa Amid Resident Frustrations

Moses Kau

Understanding Local Frustrations:

Global Stage and Africa’s Agenda: Debt, Markets, and Food Security

Challenges Ahead: Non-Binding Decisions and Potential Paralysis

A Balanced Outlook: Tangible Gains Amid Uncertainty

centralnewsza #news #politics #ngwathe #feziledabi #freestate

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