"This time next year, the UK will assume the G20 presidency. At that point, South Africa will be able to participate meaningfully in issues that are truly important to the rest of the world," stated Vincent Magwenya, spokesperson for South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, today.
The US took over the rotating G20 presidency last week, following its boycott of the summit hosted by President Ramaphosa in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Magwenya added sarcastically, "We will now take a break during the commercial, until the program resumes its normal broadcast."
The US has not commented on this move by South Africa.
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Outside the Nasrec Exhibition Centre in Johannesburg, South Africa, where the G20 summit took place on 22/11/2024. AFP |
Outside the Nasrec Exhibition Centre in Johannesburg, South Africa, where the G20 summit took place on 22/11/2024. AFP
The US and South Africa are currently at odds over various domestic and foreign policies. When Ramaphosa visited the White House in May, then-US President Donald Trump played a video accusing the South African government of a campaign against white farmers. The South African government denied all allegations.
The two nations also disagree on South Africa's lawsuit against Israel, a US ally, at the International Court of Justice, alleging genocide in the Gaza Strip. Trump had previously imposed 30% tariffs on South Africa, the highest in sub-Saharan Africa.
Tensions escalated after the US did not send representatives to the G20 summit in Johannesburg last month.
On 26/11/2024, Trump announced he would not invite South African officials to next year's G20 summit in Miami. He cited the country's "human rights violations against white farmers" and its refusal to symbolically transfer the G20 presidency to the US at the end of the Johannesburg summit.
In response to Trump's decision not to extend an invitation, South Africa declared its G20 membership and its position within the group are determined by other members.
South Africa is a founding member of the G20, which brings together the world's largest economies. Magwenya noted that Pretoria is not lobbying other nations for support but has received messages of solidarity from several G20 members.
