SA's G20 summit to be 'frugal'

HELP: OTHER NATIONS, PRIVATE SECTOR TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR HOSTING SOME MEETINGS

- Liesl Peyper

South Africa will host the G20 summit next year in a "cost-effective" manner, and it will not be as expensive as other big events in the past, according to President Cyril Ramaphosa.

Addressing the media on Tuesday at parliament for the launch of SA's G20 presidency, he said SA has been "fortunate" in that it has received offers from other countries and the private sector to help shoulder some of the responsibility for hosting meetings.

Johannesburg is the official host city of the summit, which will take place in the financial hub in the precinct around the Sandton Convention Centre.

The first meetings under a South African presidency will take place from 9 to 12 December, with a gathering of the G20 countries' central bank deputies.

Ballpark figure International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola earlier confirmed in a written response that the G20 is expected to cost around R691 million, which includes expenses such as accommodation, ground and air transport, and venue facilities.

The biggest expense is R497 million for the Sherpa Track and foreign ministers' meetings, which will stretch from December this year through to November next year. The Sherpa Track is made up of 15 working groups and two task forces.