Lamola downplays G20 snub as critics say SA fails to command global attention

By Akani Nkuna

International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola said on Monday that South Africa’s doors remain open should the United States decide to attend the G20 Leaders’ Summit.

He dismissed suggestions that the absence of some major countries’ Heads of State reinforces stereotypes that the Global South — and Africa in particular — is marginalised in global politics.

Briefing the media at the G20 Media Centre in Nasrec, Lamola said South Africa is fully prepared for the summit in Johannesburg later this week, adding that the absence of the US or any other country will not deter efforts to deliver a successful meeting with binding outcomes.

“Whether we read this as a snub or an attempt to undermine Africa? No. We do not see it that way,” Lamola said.

“In multilateral events it often happens that Heads of State are unable to attend for various reasons, and they delegate. It