Scores of residents packed Alex-Sankopano Community Centre for the G20 mini-summit, determined to put Alexandra’s voice at the high tables of global decision‑making.

Community activist and Alex Ambassadors’ Thabo Mopasi stressed the importance of the community influencing global policy from the ground up. He said they tried to ensure that discussions around policies, sustainable development, and economic growth start from the ground in Alexandra, and are escalated to the main G20 summit.

He explained that the mini-summit would use digital activism to amplify local voices. “We are going to use hashtags. We are not going to march. We are going to hashtag all the presidents of the G20.”

The event, sponsored by Fibertime, drew support from organisations including the Motor Industry Ombudsman of South Africa, the National Financial Ombud Scheme South Africa, and the Consumer Goods and Services Ombud.

Read more: Alex G20 mini-summit draft declaration seeks long term change for Alexandra

On the matter of the petition to G20 leaders, Mopasi emphasised a collaborative approach. “Our intentions are very clear. We must not be politicians, and we are not going to demand, we are going to ask nicely for partnership with G20 leaders.”

He outlined the pressing issues Alexandra faces. “Our intention is to raise Alex issues. There is no land, there are always conflicts in our community, there are issues of gender-based violence, people are slaughtered in the river, there is an issue of pollution, and a shortage of schools.”

Also read: Alexandra to host Alex G20 Mini Summit ahead of G20 Leaders’ Summit

He further noted unfinished projects and industries failing to benefit residents. “There are many industries that are not working for the benefit of the people of Alex.”

While these issues tend to frustrate residents in the community, Mopasi noted that they must be raised in a civilised way.

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WATCH: Panelist Phumlani Magubane warns that the sale of counterfeit goods is killing the economy. He made these remarks during a panel discussion at the Alex G20 Mini Summit held at Alex-SanKopano Community Centre. #Alex #G20

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On Tuesday, residents were burning tyres and protesting a four-day electricity outage, along Alfred Nzo Street, near 2nd Avenue. On Wednesday, reports indicate that others were also burning tyres, near on the bridge near Setswetla. These signal growing frustrations among residents, that, in the past, some community groups had threatened would boil over to Sandton and disrupt the G20 summit.

Other voices at the mini-summit echoed the call for accountability. Jacky Dikgale, public relations officer of Region E Business Solutions, stressed community ownership of the petition. “When we go to Sandton, and meet all these so-called officials, we should have a memorandum that is not written by the panelists here. It should be a memorandum that was discussed by the community of Alexandra.”

While the petition to G20 leaders is expected to bring long-standing change, the mini-summit has already opened doors for networking and collaboration, with some participants have already received opportunities to earn a living.

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