Gordhan a ‘suspect’ in Hawks’ letter

Finance minister fires another broadside at the Hawks by releasing most of the communiqués between the unit and himself.

Despite the deepening controversy over his continued leadership, President Jacob Zuma, pictured, will be jetting out of the country on another diplomatic excursion.

And embattled Minister of Finance Pravin Gordhan will be going with him.

The presidency announced yesterday that Zuma is going to China to attend the Group of 20 (G20) Leaders’ Summit in Hangzhou from tomorrow to Monday.

The G20 leaders are expected to discuss economic growth, global economic and financial governance, international trade and investment and interconnected development.

President Zuma will also be accompanied by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Maite Nkoana-Mashabane.

South Africa is a member of the G20, which consists of 19 countries plus the European Union, which is the 20th member.

G20 members have met regularly since 1999 to discuss global economic policy coordination. The G20 was conceptualised to stabilise and strengthen the global economy by bringing together the major advanced and emerging market economies.

“South Africa’s priorities in the G20 for 2016 include strong, sustainable, balanced and inclusive growth; decent employment; efficient and responsive economic infrastructure; increased investment in infrastructure; reducing illicit financial flows through coordination of international tax; coordination of international financial regulatory developments and international coordination on development, which includes domestic resource mobilisation and ensuring synergy with United Nations processes on the post2015 development agenda and financing for development,” the presidency said.

As the only permanent African member of the G20, government says it has raised continental issues of concern with the other G20 members.

“Our participation in the G20 is to provide strategic foresight in establishing an economic and international policy platform that will drive and negotiate the best possible outcomes for South Africa, Africa and the developing world,” said Zuma ahead of the summit.

While in Hangzhou, he will have a bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jingping.

He will also meet leaders of the Brics (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) nations on the margins of the G20 Summit. – Citizen reporter