As South Africa assumes the presidency of the G20 in December 2024, it carries the hopes of Africa and the Global South for a more equitable world order. This pivotal moment comes amid growing discontent over neo-colonial economic systems, wars of profit, and unchecked exploitation of natural resources by the Global North. South Africa’s leadership must challenge these systemic injustices and forge a path toward unity, sustainability, and justice for the Global South.

For decades, the Global South has been the lifeblood of global capitalism, supplying essential resources like cobalt, lithium, and crude oil, yet reaping minimal benefits. Studies reveal that African nations lose an estimated $88.6 billion annually to illicit financial flows, often tied to resource extraction by multinational corporations based in the West.

This systemic plunder mirrors colonial patterns and deprives nations of funds needed for development and poverty alleviation. South Africa, as a BRICS member, must use the G20 platform to protect natural resources from exploitation. Proposals could include mechanisms for transparent resource governance, fair pricing for exports, and sanctions against corporations engaging in exploitative practices. Failure to act risks perpetuating the cycle of dependency and underdevelopment.

Wars waged for profit and geopolitical dominance have devastated many nations in the Global South, from Iraq and Libya to Yemen and beyond. These conflicts have often been justified under the guise of promoting democracy or combating terrorism but are deeply tied to securing resources and maintaining Western hegemony.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has spoken out against such interventions, emphasizing the importance of multilateralism and respect for sovereignty. South Africa’s G20 presidency should prioritize conflict resolution through dialogue, oppose militarization, and demand accountability for nations that perpetuate wars under false pretenses. As Ramaphosa noted, peace rooted in international law is critical to achieving sustainable development.

The BRICS bloc – comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, as well as new members Egypt, Ethiopia,........

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