IN CONVERSATION WITH Thulani TSHEFUTA (C20 Chairperson)

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As a key engagement group within the G20 framework, the C20 brings together
diverse voices from civil society organizations (CSOs), enabling them to
influence decision-making on global challenges, such as climate change,
economic inequality, health, and social justice.
South Africa's leadership in the C20 reflects its commitment to fostering
inclusivity, collaboration, and equity on the global stage. This leadership role
offers an opportunity to spotlight pressing issues affecting us globaly and
amplify the perspectives of marginalized communities.
Through dialogue, policy advocacy, and partnerships with other G20
engagement groups, C20 South Africa aims to ensure that civil society’s
contributions are meaningfully incorporated into the G20 agenda.
The announcement that sets the stage for enhanced public engagement, robust
dialogue, and a stronger alignment between global priorities and grassroots
realities consists of Thulani Tshefuta from NEDLAC Community Constituency
who has been give the role of Chairperson. Mabalane Mfundisi from Show Me
Your Number is the Sherpa. Sheila Mbele from SANAC Civil Society Forum is the
1st Co-Chairperson.
09:35


There will be a person from the Person’s with Disabilities stakeholders in civil
society who will be co-opted through a civil society democratic process as the
2nd Co-Chairperson.
There will also be a person from the LGBTQI+ stakeholders in civil society to be
co-opted through a civil society democratic process as the 1st Sous Sherpa and
Terrence Mpanza from SANCO is the 2nd Sous Sherpa.
These men and women were announced on the 20th December 2024 where the
leadership from NEDLAC Community Constituency, SANAC Civil Society Forum,
South African National Civic Organisation (SANAC), Show Me Your Number and
WACI Health were present and agreed collectively
Thulani Tshefuta said they will be guided by the independence of civil society to
advocate for a better world that is possible when governments of the world
govern in the interest of the whole of humanity. “Through consultation and
based on the work done in Brazil and other G20 processes, we will ensure an
inclusive process that will provide a robust, radical and progressive voice of civil
society that will culminate in the C20 Policy Pack that will be presented to
President Ramaphosa and other global leaders in November 2025,” said
Tshefuta.
He further said this process will be local through voices of the diverse civil
society in South Africa, the rest of Africa and globally. “Currently, the C20 Civil
Society Council that is all the organisations that have registered, they will
continue to register on the database and put in place stands of over 400
organisations from South Africa, the rest of Africa and globally,” said Tshefuta.
Tshefuta said the C20 South Africa leadership will heed the call made by
President Ramaphosa in his G20 acceptance speech on the 3rd of December
2024 where he said “It is important for South Africa that our G20 Presidency is
inclusive. Dialogue with civil society and other non-government institutions will
be conducted through various engagement groups. South Africa firmly believes
that civil society serves as a bridge between the G20 leaders and the people
who have the greatest interest in their deliberations.”
He also said the stage has been set and their role as the C20 working in tandem
with other G20 engagement groups will ensure that a strong bridge is built to
carry heavy loads and people whose sole aim is to make the world a better
place for all.



“This better world includes decisions that will alter the current global financial
architecture and propel global leaders to deliver on the Sustainable
Development Goals, climate action and other commitments,” he said.
In the next few days, the leadership is adamant that the following actions will
inform the work of the new C20 South Africa as they race against time to catch
10 Jul 2025 English South Africa Entertainment News · Music Interviews

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