Kubayi: Rising populism, xenophobia & nationalism threatening G20's aim of fostering solidarity

KLEINMOND - Justice Minister Mmamaloko Kubayi said that rising populism, xenophobia and nationalism were threatening the solidarity the G20 was aiming to foster.

The presiding officers of parliaments are meeting in Kleinmond in the Western Cape as they look to strengthen global cooperation. 

Kubayi was delivering the keynote address on behalf of President Cyril Ramaphosa.

National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza said parliaments have a role to ensure collaboration around the world to deliver people-centred solutions to global problems. 

"Legislators are not only the guardians of democracy, but architects of inclusive development."

Kubayi said the P20 presented a unique platform to strengthen global collaboration to exchange ideas and to resolve the pressing issues of the time. 

"It is therefore incumbent upon us as parliaments to bring our institutions closer to the people, to restore the bonds of trust and to make all citizens part of the effort to achieve the sustainable development goals."

She said that for many, global solidarity was far removed from the everyday realities of access to employment, health care, education and a decent quality of life.