South Africa to Skip 2026 G20 After U.S. Excludes Country from Participation
South Africa Pulls Out of U.S.-Led G20 Over Policy Tensions
image: Knews
by Kelebogile Matlou
South Africa’s government confirmed that it would not attend next year’s G20 meetings after the United States formally removed the country from the 2026 programme. Pretoria has announced plans to take a “commercial break” during the group’s presidency by the United States.
The announcement follows a strongly worded remark by US Senator Marco Rubio on Wednesday, in which he emphasized that South Africa will not be invited to the US-led G20 meetings in 2026. Rubio accused the South African government of implementing land, regulatory, and racial-equity measures that he believes have harmed the economy and discouraged investment.
He also alleged that South Africa is pursuing “radical agendas,” such as climate change activism, diversity and inclusion efforts, and assistance dependency.
Rubio also accused the ruling party of blaming residents and foreign partners for domestic problems, condoning violence against white farmers, and siding with nations deemed hostile by the US. In a social media post, he claimed that South Africa’s previous G20 leadership ignored American opinions, stalled negotiations, and even “doxxed” US officials.
image: Business Report
In response to the criticism, presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya declared that South Africa will wait for a change in the G20 presidency before participating again. He reaffirmed that the country will skip the 2026 G20 meetings and return once the role is transferred to another country, which is widely predicted in 2027.
Analysts warn that South Africa’s absence during the United States-led period may reduce its impact on critical global issues, particularly those affecting the Global South, such as climate finance, debt relief, and equitable development. They warn that, at an era of increasing global uncertainty, the decision may impede coordination among developing countries.
