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US Blocks South Africa
South African Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana confirmed that the United States has not accredited South Africa to attend the G20 meeting.
“South African Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana has not been accredited by the United States to attend the upcoming Group of Twenty finance chiefs meeting”
Both he and South African Reserve Bank Governor Lesetja Kganyago will not be attending.
The exclusion builds on President Trump's announcement that South Africa would not be invited to the 2026 G20 summit.
South Africa's Ministry of Finance confirmed the development.
The US took over the rotating presidency from South Africa in late 2024.
Diplomatic Rift
The exclusion of South Africa is the latest chapter in a diplomatic rift.
Trump justified the exclusion by alleging genocide against White Afrikaans people.
International Relations and Cooperation Director-General Zane Dangor called the exclusion a breach of the rules.
France has committed to raising the issue at the next G20 meeting.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz publicly backed South Africa.
South Africa's Response
South Africa has framed the exclusion as a temporary withdrawal.
“By choosing to withdraw for 2026, the South African government preserves its institutional dignity”
Godongwana said it is a holiday from the G20 this year.
The central issue concerns the accreditation of delegations.
South Africa's strategy rests on the hope that the UK will not adopt the same posture.
The move preserves South Africa's institutional dignity.