In pursuing the objectives of the South African G20 Presidency particularly as they relate to inclusiveness, Pan Africanism and Solidarity, the G20 Sherpa and Director-General of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Zane Dangor, requested the MTN Group to host and facilitate a mediation process between two C20 leadership factions.
The C20 mediation inception meeting took place between 10 and 11 April 2025 and reached certain areas of consensus. These included:
- The possible reconstitution of the existing G20 Working Groups for improved alignment to anticipated outcomes and shared advocacy areas amongst the two factions;
- A three-tiered leadership model for the Working Groups which will ensure the representation of national, regional and global civil society organisations with a particular emphasis on the Global South;
- Leveraging on the strengths of participating organisations to support and lead the C20 processes.
Regrettably, at the end of the mediation inception meeting agreement could not be reached with regards to Co-Chairpersonship of the C20 processes. Consequently, two of the eight participant organisations requested time to consult on this aspect. Initially the two organisations that requested time to consult, chose to reject, even the concessions that had been recorded by the meeting.
Following further engagements only one organisation, the Economic Justice Network (EJN) rejected the standing proposals. In total disregard of the mediation principles adopted by the mediation process, the organisation had opted to issue a public statement, thus breaking particularly the confidentiality, good faith and facilitator’s authority principles. This disappointing turn of events left the South African Government with no choice but to proceed with those that are willing to build bridges.
To this end, we would encourage all Civil Society Organisations to work independently from other sectors and in unison with each other. We wish to thank the win-win and progressive stance assumed by AFRODAD, OXFAM South Africa, the National Economic Development & Labour Council Community Constituency, the South African National Aids Council Civil Society Forum, Show Me Your Number, World AIDS Campaign International Health, and Impact Drivers.
ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION
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