South Africa Takes a Step Back from G20 Under Trump

South Africa is taking a pause from the G20 while the U.S. holds the presidency. This comes after the U.S. decided not to invite South Africa to join in.

Leadership Shift and Tensions

The U.S. took over the G20 leadership recently, even though they skipped the summit hosted by South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa in Johannesburg.

"South Africa would 'take a commercial break' until the UK takes over the G20 presidency next year."

• Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson for Ramaphosa

High Tensions and Disagreements

Tensions between the U.S. and South Africa have been high this year. U.S. President Donald Trump has made false claims about South Africa. He criticized the country's policies aimed at fixing racial inequality. The U.S. also did not agree with the theme of South Africa's G20 presidency, which was "solidarity, equality, and sustainability."

Exclusion from G20 Events

It was already known that South Africa would not be invited to the G20 leaders' summit in Florida next year. But it was not clear if South Africa would be left out of other meetings leading up to it. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed on Wednesday that South Africa would not be part of any G20 events next year.

Solidarity and Support

South Africa is one of the founding members of the G20, which includes the world's largest economies. Magwenya said South Africa would not ask other nations for support but has received messages of solidarity from some G20 members.