C20 Summit to Address Inequality and Unemployment in South Africa

Strategic Insights -

The Civil 20 (C20) engagement process is gearing up for the C20 summit, being held ahead of the G20 summit in South Africa in November. The C20 summit aims to discuss key issues such as inequality and unemployment, which are especially affecting women and the youth. A media briefing was held in Pretoria by the C20 South Africa leadership team, providing an update on preparations to deliver the C20 policy pack before the G20 summit. C20 chairperson Thulani Tshefuta emphasized the importance of solidarity, equality, and sustainability, and highlighted the need for economically inclusive growth to achieve shared prosperity.

Key Takeaways:

  • The C20 has established structures representing various sectors, including women, disability, youth, health, and education, to shape the G20's processes and ensure diverse perspectives are considered.
  • The C20 has held a mid-term policy dialogue from June 22-24, 2025, in Sandton, attended by over 300 people in person and more than 1 800 virtually.
  • The C20 has thoroughly explored the government's theme, emphasizing solidarity, equality, and sustainability, and has identified actions that contribute to achieving the goals of the G20 summit.
  • The C20 will hold provincial consultations in all nine provinces, prioritizing grassroots participation and seeking direct input from the people.
  • The C20 will organize people-to-people engagements through sports and culture, including a soccer match and a large concert with a global appeal in each of the nine provinces.
  • The C20 summit will feature a consultation meeting from November 12 to 14, bringing together 3,000 civil society representatives from around the world to discuss and deliberate on the organization's policy proposals and documents.
  • The C20 aims to prioritize job creation and employment opportunities, with a specific focus on addressing youth unemployment, which is affecting the country.

Statistics:

  • Over 300 people attended the C20 mid-term policy dialogue in person, while more than 1 800 people attended virtually.
  • The C20 will organize people-to-people engagements through sports and culture in all nine provinces, with a major event on November 15 featuring local artists, and a soccer match on November 16 between a PSL team and a team from another African country.
  • The C20 consultation meeting from November 12 to 14 is expected to bring together 3,000 civil society representatives from around the world.

Sources:

  • [C20 South Africa Leadership Team, Media Briefing, Pretoria, 2025]
  • [C20 South Africa Chairperson, Thulani Tshefuta, Interview with the press, 2025]