Civil Society at the Heart of the G20

Civil 20 (C20) South Africa

Overview

About the C20

What is the C20?

The C20 is one of the official engagement groups of the G20, offering civil society organisations and communities a formal space to influence global decision-making. Since its establishment in 2013, the C20 has worked to ensure that policies shaped by G20 leaders reflect the voices and needs of communities around the world. Learn more here.

Why does the C20 matter?

The G20 brings together some of the world’s largest economies, representing more than 80 percent of global GDP. The decisions taken by this body can drive the global agenda on health.

The C20 ensures civil society perspectives are heard and reflected in G20 policies. The South African G20 Presidency is a defining moment to advance health equity and justice with African leadership and perspectives on the global stage.

Equitable Health for All Working Group

The Equitable Health for All (EHA) Working Group is the technical group focused on health in this year’s C20 process. It is one of the 14 working groups that aligns with the G20 priorities. The EHA working group aims to ensure that health remains a top G20 priority and that G20 outcomes are grounded in the values of equity, access, sustainability, and solidarity.

Specific focus areas of the working group include:

Universal health coverage (UHC), primary health care (PHC), and retention of health workforce

Regional manufacturing and health research and development (R&D)

Stemming the tide of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including mental health

Traditional medicines as an alternative response

Sustaining domestic and global financing for health

Universal health coverage (UHC), primary health care (PHC), and retention of health workforce Regional manufacturing and health research and development (R&D) Stemming the tide of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including mental health Traditional medicines as an alternative response Sustaining domestic and global financing for health

Our Activities

Hosting monthly working group meetings

Developing the policy brief on health

Coordinating with the G20 Health Working Group

Contributing to the C20 Policy Pack, alongside 13 other working groups

Co-leads of the EHA working group

WACI Health

National Association of People living with HIV and AIDS (NAPWA) – South Africa

AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF)

Get Involved

We invite community and civil society advocates to join the Equitable Health for All Working Group and help shape G20 South Africa’s agenda for health.

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Understanding the C20 Framework

How is the C20 South Africa structured?

The C20 operates through a participatory governance structure, designed to ensure inclusivity, global coordination, and strategic civil society action. The C20 South Africa leadership includes a Chairperson (Thulani Tshefuta, NEDLAC Community Constituency) and Sherpa (Mabalane Mfundisi, Show Me Your Number). Sheila Mbele from the SANAC Civil Society Forum is serving as the first co-chairperson and Terrence Mpanza from SANCO is serving as the second sous-Sherpa. A Secretariat led by Nhlanhla Ndlovu provides logistical support and coordination.

What is the role of the working groups?

There are 14 working groups of the C20 South Africa that are each aligned with the thematic priorities of G20 South Africa. The groups draft individual policy briefs, collect inputs from civil society and community stakeholders, and contribute to the C20 Policy Pack.

The working groups are:

1. Women and Gender Equity
2. People to People interaction and Solidarity
3. Poverty Alleviation and Food Sustainability
4. Democratic governance, Civic Space, Anti-Corruption, and Access to Justice
5. Cultural Diversity Recognition and Embracement
6. Trade and Sustainable Development
7. Digital and Inclusive Economies
8. Sustainable and Resilient Communities and Disaster Risk Reduction
9. Quality Education for future sustainability
10. Employment opportunities and retention
11. Energy Just Transition, Environment and Climate Sustainability
12. Equitable Health for All
13. Science, Research, and Innovation Investment
14. Tourism

What is the C20 Policy Pack?

The C20 Policy Pack is the collective output of the Civil 20 engagement process. It brings together the policy recommendations developed by all 14 C20 Working Groups.

The Policy Pack represents the voices and expertise of civil society and community stakeholders. It is submitted to G20 leaders as a formal contribution to their deliberations. In 2025, the Policy Pack will be submitted to the G20 Sherpa by the end of June.

The Policy pack aims to ensure that decisions made at the G20 reflect the lived realities and priorities of people and communities.

What is WACI Health’s Role in C20 South Africa?

As a long-time advocate for health equity and inclusive governance, WACI Health is honoured to co-lead the Equitable Health for All Working Group within the C20. Sizwe Nombasa Gxuluwe (Programs Manager, WACI Health) is the Chairperson of the working group and the focal point to the G20 Health Working Group. We are also supporting the broader C20 process by helping coordinate the working group structure, co-developing the concept note, and contributing to communications efforts.

Our staff in South Africa are working closely with South African and regional civil society partners to ensure meaningful African engagement throughout the C20 process. Our leadership in the C20 reflects our core values – ensuring that civil society voices, especially from the Global South, remain central in shaping global health policies, financing, and governance discussions.

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