The United States has made its way to the presidency of the G20 bloc which serves as a subtle notice to South Africa to temporarily leave it’s seat for the period of the United State’s tenure.
The G20 is a bloc of 20 of the world’s largest economies, bringing together major developed and emerging countries to coordinate on global economic stability.
It focuses on issues such as financial governance, development, climate action, and international cooperation.
South Africa’s finance minister, Enoch Godongwana, has confirmed that the country will step back from its G20 engagements on account of a forewarning made by President Donald Trump in Novermber that South Africa which in 2025 became the first African country to chair the forum would not be invited to US-hosted events.
Speaking at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos on Thursday, he described the decision as a “temporary setback”.
“This is not because the Americans can chase us out of the G20, but they hold an important instrument: the accreditation,” Godongwana said.
“If you don’t have the accreditation, you can’t get into the venue, even if you are around. So they will not accredit us.”
He said he believed Africa’s voice would still be heard at the G20 through the African Union and that he did not think that Britain, the 2027 president, would exclude South Africa.
