'No democratic society with huge unemployed population'

WITH just over 23 weeks left before South Africa gets to host the G20 Summit in November this year, more than 14 working groups from diverse civil society organisations gathered at The Capital on the Park in Sandton as part of the C20 South Africa Launch on Sunday.

- SIYABONGA SITHOLE

Chairperson Thulani Tshefuta highlighted the group's role not as adversaries of the government but as crucial partners who advocate for those most vulnerable in society and emphasised the need for advocacy work to align with South Africa's medium term development plan and the United Nations' agenda for 2030.

His call for a mass-based, people-centred approach resonated throughout the launch, pointing to the urgent need for comprehensive consultations that address the issues faced by communities across the country.

"We are not anti-government as we have been labeled as friends of government. When we have to respond to the plight of the poor, we are told this is expensive we can't afford that, but ours is to press on.