Appropriations Committee seeks updated G20 cost breakdown from Treasury

The Chairperson of Parliament’s Standing Committee on Appropriations, Dr Mmusi Maimane, has written to Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana requesting a detailed and up-to-date breakdown of the costs South Africa will incur as host of the G20 Summit scheduled for 22–23 November in Johannesburg.

Maimane said the summit presents an important opportunity for South Africa to demonstrate its global leadership, especially as the country becomes the first African nation to host a G20 gathering. However, he stressed that Parliament has a constitutional responsibility to ensure that public funds are spent prudently.

The committee is seeking clarity on the overall expenditure government expects to commit, including any adjustments made since initial estimates were provided. In 2024, the projected total cost of hosting the event stood at R691 million, R194 million allocated for the Leaders’ Summit, and R497 million for Sherpa Track meetings.

Maimane said the committee now requires confirmation of whether these figures have changed, and whether any additional funding has been approved.

He emphasised that while the G20 must be successful, it should not impose additional strain on the national budget or on South Africans who are already under financial pressure.

“This is why the committee must be fully informed of all public funds government plans to use,” he said.

Maimane also stressed the strategic importance of the G20 for South Africa, describing it as a critical platform that brings together developed and developing economies to advance a collective agenda for sustainable global development.