[Video by Tshekoesele Katlego and Kgalalelo Setlhare Mogapi]
By Marcus Moloko
South Africa’s Presidency has clarified claims that the United States delegation has been barred from attending the second session of the G20 Leaders’ Summit.
In a quick media briefing on Saturday to dismiss speculation, Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said South Africa could not accommodate last-minute requests without undermining the integrity of the summit.
“There is an enormous amount of effort that goes into organising a summit of this size — logistics, security, and all other related elements,” he said.
Magwenya revealed that on the eve of the summit, South Africa received a list of requirements and demands from the US Embassy delegation.
“It was just not going to be feasible,” he said, stressing that all other countries had submitted their delegation lists on time and made the necessary preparations.
“It’s a little bit unfair on South Africa to expect that we must now drop everything that we are doing just because somebody has decided to change their mind.”
The Presidency also pushed back against a proposal that President Cyril Ramaphosa hand over summit responsibilities to a US chargé d’Affaires.
Magwenya described this as a breach of international protocol.
“It was something we pushed back against. It’s a breach of protocol that has never been done before, and it was never going to happen for the first time here in South Africa. No head of state anywhere in the world would have done what was being suggested,” he said.
Despite the absence of the US, Magwenya stressed that the summit was a success.
“What we are thrilled about is that we’ve had a successful summit. All our guests are happy. All our guests are enjoying South African hospitality,” he said.
He highlighted lighter moments, which indicated a positive atmosphere among delegates.
“The Australian Prime Minister was telling the President that he’s quite jealous that his Trade Minister [Don Farrell] will get to visit one of our game parks, and he’s not going to get that visit. And so South African tourism is going to benefit out of this,” Magwenya added.
Several delegations are expected to remain in South Africa after the summit to engage further with local partners, a development the Presidency views as a boost for both diplomacy and tourism.
“We have a lot to be excited about and to celebrate out of this summit, Magwenya told Inside Politics.
INSIDE POLITICS