Kimberley
A G20 Planning Summit, hosted by the National Planning Commission (NPC) in partnership with the Office of the Premier (Northern Cape) and the Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation (DPME), was held at Sol Plaatje University (SPU), on 12 and 13 June 2025, bringing together government leaders, academics, civil society, and international partners to chart a long-term development path for South Africa under the theme: “Charting South Africa’s Future: A Call for Collaborative Long-Term Planning as a Foundation for Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability.”
The Planning Summit is a strategic national platform for SA’s long-term planning and practical lessons from the implementation of the National Development Plan (NDP) across sectors and spheres of government.
The Northern Cape was selected as host province due to its prominence in national and global debates on renewable energy, the just transition, and inclusive development, with its vast solar and wind resources, the province is at the forefront of South Africa’s shift toward sustainable energy solutions. It also serves as a living case study of how equitable development can be advanced in historically under-resourced regions, making it a powerful setting for conversations on long-term planning, social justice, and economic transformation.
SPU’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Teaching and Learning, Prof Paul Green delivered his message of support during the Opening Session. He welcomed delegates to SPU, the Northern Cape’s anchor institution. “It is fitting that a summit dedicated to long-term, inclusive national planning is convened in a place founded on democratic ideals and a vision for transformation. The theme of this Summit, could not be timelier, nor more aligned with SPU’s own vision: To be a university critically engaged in learning, research, and development while enhancing democratic practice and social justice in society. Long-term planning, rooted in inclusion, foresight and integration, is not only vital for our collective progress, but also essential for our survival. The challenges we face, from socio-economic inequality to climate change, demand cohesive thinking and bold, united action.” Prof Green invited multi-stakeholder collaboration with SPU, stating that development is a shared task, emphasising that at SPU, we stand ready to work together with government, civil society, the private sector and the international community. He also mentioned that SPU plans to launch a Centre for Sustainable Energy, which will serve as a platform for interdisciplinary research, capacity development, and policy engagement in support of a greener, more inclusive future, which is in line with national and global priorities.
The second day of the summit consisted of breakaway sessions where various Commissions given the SA landscape, discussed and deliberated on the following:
- Economic Transformation and Job Creation
- Governance and Democracy
- Community Safety and Social Cohesion
- Poverty, Inequality, and Hunger
SPU stands ready to play a vital role in monitoring progress in the years to come. With its knowledge, youth, and its capacity for innovation. SPU hopes the summit marks the beginning of a deeper partnership between thought and action, policy and practice, vision and reality.
