Key Takeaways
- The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) considers South Africa’s non-invitation to the first meeting of Group of 20 sherpas a breach of protocol.
- South Africa was excluded from the meeting, which was meant to map out the next year of the G20’s work, and only learned about it from other member states’ sherpas.
- The US does not have the prerogative to exclude South Africa as a G20 member, according to DIRCO Director General Zane Dangor.
- The issue of South Africa’s exclusion was discussed at the meeting, with US sherpas citing instructions from President Donald Trump as the reason for not inviting South African sherpas.
Introduction to the Controversy
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) has expressed its concern over South Africa’s exclusion from the first meeting of Group of 20 sherpas since the country handed over the presidency to the United States (US). Director General Zane Dangor confirmed to Parliament that South Africa was not invited to the meeting, which took place on Sunday, and was only informed about it by other member states’ sherpas. This move has been seen as a breach of protocol, with Dangor stating that South Africa’s participation in the G20 should not be dependent on whether the presidency seeks to invite them or not.
Background to the Exclusion
The controversy surrounding South Africa’s exclusion from the G20 meeting stems from a decision made by US President Donald Trump in November. Following the G20 Leaders’ Summit, Trump announced on social media that South Africa would not be included in the 2026 G20 meetings. This decision was reportedly made after South Africa refused to hand over the presidency to a diplomat in Trump’s absence. However, Dangor has emphasized that the US does not have the authority to exclude South Africa from the G20, as it is a member of the group. The G20 protocol dictates that all member states should be invited to meetings, and guest countries should also be included.
Reaction from DIRCO and Parliament
Dangor’s confirmation of South Africa’s exclusion from the meeting was met with concern from Parliament’s portfolio committee. The committee members questioned Dangor on how the department would address the matter, but he was unable to provide an immediate response. However, he did reveal that other sherpas had informed South Africa that the issue of their exclusion was discussed at the meeting. The US sherpas reportedly stated that they were carrying out the instructions of their president by not inviting South African sherpas to attend. This has raised questions about the US’s role in the G20 and its ability to unilaterally make decisions about which member states can participate in meetings.
Implications of the Exclusion
The exclusion of South Africa from the G20 meeting has significant implications for the country’s international relations and its role in global governance. As a member of the G20, South Africa has a critical role to play in shaping the group’s agenda and policies. By excluding South Africa from the meeting, the US has potentially undermined the country’s ability to contribute to the G20’s work and has raised concerns about the group’s commitment to inclusivity and diversity. The incident has also highlighted the need for clarity on the G20’s protocol and decision-making processes, particularly with regards to the role of the presidency and the rights of member states.
Conclusion and Next Steps
In conclusion, the exclusion of South Africa from the first meeting of Group of 20 sherpas has been widely condemned as a breach of protocol. The Department of International Relations and Cooperation has emphasized that the US does not have the authority to exclude South Africa from the G20, and that the country’s participation should not be dependent on the presidency’s invitation. As the incident continues to unfold, it is likely that there will be further discussion and debate about the implications of the exclusion and the need for clarity on the G20’s protocol and decision-making processes. The South African government will need to carefully consider its next steps and work to ensure that the country’s interests are represented and protected in the G20 and other international forums.