South Africa’s exclusion from this month’s G20 Sherpa meeting in the United States will limit its ability to shape key discussions and advance decisions taken during the recent Johannesburg Summit. That’s according to Professor Christopher Isike, director of the African Centre for the Study of the United States at the University of Pretoria, who spoke to SABC News.
Isike said the absence effectively sidelines South Africa at a critical moment, particularly as it seeks to reinforce priorities outlined during its G20 presidency.
The Department of International Relations has downplayed concerns, with spokesperson Chrispin Phiri emphasising that South Africa remains committed to the G20’s principles and cooperative framework. He noted that all members understand the strength and legitimacy of the forum stem from its established structure and shared adherence to founding protocols.
Tensions between Pretoria and Washington have grown over several domestic and foreign policy disagreements. The rift intensified when US President Donald Trump opted not to attend last month’s G20 Summit in Johannesburg, which South Africa hosted.
Following the Summit, South Africa formally handed over the G20 presidency to the United States.