Speaking in his personal capacity, Siyabulela Jentile, Director of Civic Root Advocacy and President of #NotInMyName International, said the claims were both “concerning” and “unfounded”, warning that such accusations risk undermining the credibility of SA’s democratic institutions.
Jentile said the allegations emerged from individuals suggesting that some civil society organisations were being mobilised to interfere with G20 proceedings. He stressed that no evidence has been provided to support the claims, and cautioned against allowing “sensitive and serious” accusations to circulate without proof.
“SA has fought too hard and lost too much to allow its democratic institutions to be manipulated for geopolitical agendas that do not serve its people,” Jentile said. He called for formal investigations to test the allegations, arguing that unverified suspicion should not be permitted to “mushroom unchallenged”.
Jentile urged South Africans to remain vigilant, but to do so in a way that protects both the G20 processes and the constitutional rights of civic groups to protest and express dissent. He warned that conflating legitimate activism with destabilisation efforts could silence critical voices.
“The danger is allowing suspicion to silence legitimate expression,” he said. “Civil society remains the backbone of accountability, democratic participation and community empowerment. Non-government organisations and activists must not be demonised without clear evidence.”
Jentile said the G20 holds significant value for SA, describing it as a high-level platform that can influence global policy and potentially benefit local communities. As a civil society activist, he said the event represented an important moment for the country and should be hosted in a “dignified and patriotic” manner.
He emphasised that civic organisations can continue raising concerns and advocating for communities, provided this is done lawfully and without disrupting the summit.
“We need to protect the dignity of the G20 while raising our issues in a constitutional manner,” he said. “We hope the outcomes of these deliberations will move SA forward.”
–ChannelAfrica–
