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 hardly happens that we have 100% attendance at Head-of-State level. If, out of 20 Heads of State, only four are absent, it shows they take the G20 very seriously. We view the United States’ absence as just that — non-attendance. In their absence, the countries present must take decisions, and that is what is currently unfolding.”
Lamola confirmed that the Presidents of Mexico, Argentina and China will not attend, although all three countries are sending delegations to participate at Sherpa and Foreign Minister level. By contrast, US President Donald Trump announced last week that no American delegation would be sent.
He stressed that the summit will continue “business as usual”, with participating countries expected to adopt a declaration binding on all G20 members.
This declaration will focus on tackling global challenges, strengthening disaster resilience, ensuring debt sustainability for low-income countries, and mobilising finance for a just energy transition.
South Africa has so far hosted 130 G20 meetings — including sessions in Ethiopia and Nigeria — as part of efforts to amplify vulnerable voices across the continent.
This week it will host the final three engagements: the 4th Sherpa Meeting, the Social Summit and the Leaders’ Summit, from which the final declaration will emerge.
“We have also advocated for significant reforms to the international financial architecture to make it more equitable, inclusive and responsive to the development and climate financing needs of developing countries, particularly in Africa,” Lamola said.
He noted confirmation of participation at various levels from 42 countries, including 16 guest nations and six regional representatives from Africa, the Caribbean and East Asia.
Lamola also expressed optimism that the G20 will boost Gauteng’s economy, acting as a catalyst to “turn the corner on service delivery in the City of Johannesburg and across the country.”
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi echoed this optimism, highlighting the economic lift anticipated for the provincial tourism sector.
He said billions of rands in revenue are expected and emphasised efforts to “beautify” the province as a competitive tourist destination.
“We are quite excited about the tourism prospects. Almost all of our hotels are fully booked, airlines are fully booked, our malls are abuzz with visitors. We are indeed looking beyond the billions of rands. We believe this event will help us attract more tourists, and we will be in a strong position to reinvest the money they bring into our province,” Lesufi said.
He further praised provincial officials for improving Johannesburg and its surroundings ahead of the summit, adding that these efforts will continue beyond the G20 with a stronger focus on sustained service delivery.
INSIDE POLITICS