Tourism Deputy Minister Launches G20 Community Outreach in Northern Cape

South Africa’s Deputy Minister of Tourism, Ms. Maggie Sotyu, has launched the country’s first G20 Tourism Community Outreach programme in the Northern Cape, marking a key milestone in bringing the G20 agenda closer to grassroots communities.

The outreach, held in partnership with the Northern Cape Department of Economic Development and Tourism, is the first in a series of planned engagements intended to align international tourism goals with South Africa’s local development strategies. It forms part of South Africa’s presidency of the G20—a historic first for the African continent.

Deputy Minister Sotyu highlighted the urgent need to balance economic growth with social inclusion in the tourism sector. “Bringing the G20 agenda closer to our communities is critical to enable us to chart a path for inclusive global sustainable development,” she said. “It is essential that we engage the communities we serve to align our proposed recommendations with their present and future needs.”

The Northern Cape, South Africa’s largest yet sparsely populated province, boasts unique tourism appeal—from red dunes and black-maned lions to rich Khoi-San heritage and ancient rock art sites. The province served as an ideal launch site for this people-driven initiative.

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During the event, the community was introduced to the four key G20 Tourism Priorities that will inform the 2025 G20 action plan:

1. People-centered artificial intelligence and innovation to support tourism start-ups and SMMEs,
2. Tourism financing and investment to drive equality and sustainability,
3. Improved air connectivity for seamless travel, and
4. Enhanced resilience for inclusive and sustainable tourism development.

Local SMMEs were given a platform to showcase their products and participate in discussions, while community members received information on empowerment and tourism incentive programmes.

Deputy Minister Sotyu emphasized that continued engagement with communities will help develop “people-centred, progressive, and solution-driven policies” that address both domestic and global challenges. “The G20 provides a significant opportunity for our provinces, cities and communities to promote our culture, heritage, tourism, and industrial and commercial advances,” she said.

The event also reinforced government’s commitment to strengthening partnerships with local communities as part of the national development plan. Sotyu urged communities to actively participate in available empowerment programmes across all spheres of government.