G20 Sherpas Meet Under US Presidency Without South Africa Representation

Key Takeaways

• The first meeting of Sherpas of the Group of 20 (G20) under the United States’ presidency is set to take place in Washington without South Africa’s participation.
• South Africa has been excluded from all G20 events in the US in 2026, including the Leaders’ Summit in Miami.
• The US has chosen to forego the traditional troika format, which typically includes the former, present, and incoming hosts working together on the G20 agenda.
• South Africa has requested its G20 allies to differentiate between its chosen absence from the 2026 G20 and being deliberately excluded by a G20 host.
• The exclusion of South Africa from the US’s G20 presidency in 2026 may set a precedent for future exclusions.

Introduction to the G20 Meeting
The first meeting of Sherpas of the Group of 20 (G20) under the United States’ presidency is scheduled to take place in Washington on Monday, but it will be notable for the absence of South Africa. In a diplomatic note sent to member states, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation of South Africa has requested that its exclusion from the meeting be placed on the agenda for discussion and clarification. This development comes after the US informed South Africa that it is not welcome to participate in any G20 events in the US in 2026, citing its decision to boycott much of South Africa’s G20 program in 2025, including the Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg in November.

South Africa’s Exclusion from G20 Events
The US has taken a significant step by excluding South Africa from all G20 events in 2026, including the meetings of Sherpas, working groups, and ministers, as well as the 2026 Leaders’ Summit in Miami. This decision marks a departure from the traditional format of the G20, where the former, present, and incoming hosts work together on the agenda. The US has chosen to forego this format for its G20 presidency, which has raised concerns among G20 member states. South Africa’s exclusion is seen as a significant development, as it may set a precedent for future exclusions and undermine the inclusive nature of the G20.

Implications of South Africa’s Exclusion
The exclusion of South Africa from the US’s G20 presidency in 2026 has significant implications for the country and the G20 as a whole. South Africa has requested its G20 allies to point out to the US that its chosen absence from the 2026 G20 must be differentiated from being deliberately excluded by a G20 host. This distinction is crucial, as it highlights the difference between a country’s decision not to participate and being barred from participation by the host country. The note verbale from the Department of International Relations and Cooperation of South Africa expresses concern about the precedent that will be set by the exclusion of South Africa from the G20 presidency of the US in 2026.

Future of the G20 Presidency
The US’s decision to exclude South Africa from its G20 presidency in 2026 may have far-reaching consequences for the future of the G20. The G20 is a platform for international cooperation and dialogue, and the exclusion of a member state may undermine its effectiveness. The UK is set to take over the presidency from the US in 2027, and it remains to be seen how it will approach the issue of South Africa’s participation. The G20 member states will need to navigate this complex situation and find a way to address the concerns of all parties involved. The exclusion of South Africa from the US’s G20 presidency in 2026 is a significant development that will be closely watched by the international community.

Conclusion
In conclusion, the first meeting of Sherpas of the G20 under the US presidency is set to take place in Washington without South Africa’s participation. The US has excluded South Africa from all G20 events in 2026, citing its decision to boycott much of South Africa’s G20 program in 2025. The exclusion of South Africa from the US’s G20 presidency in 2026 has significant implications for the country and the G20 as a whole. The G20 member states will need to navigate this complex situation and find a way to address the concerns of all parties involved. The future of the G20 presidency and the participation of member states will be closely watched by the international community.