Boycott or not, SA will host successful G20 summit, says Lamola

SOUTH Africa does not consider the absence of some key head of states at this weekend’s G20 Leaders' Summit as a snub or the undermining of Africa, says International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola. 

The much-anticipated gathering is set to take place on November 22 and 23 at the Nasrec Conference Centre, with heads of state from G20 member countries and delegates from other countries in attendance.

Lamola said 42 countries have confirmed their participation, including 20 member states (excluding the USA), 16 guest countries, and six countries representing regional economic communities in Africa, the Caribbean, and East Asia.

The United States and Argentine President Javier Milei have boycotted the much-anticipated summit, while China and Russia will be represented by senior government officials.

"Russia, Mexico, and Argentina will be present and will be represented at the ministerial and Sherpa level. China will be represented at that level as well. Whether this is a snub or not, we do not see it as a snub or the undermining of Africa. Things like these also happen. When heads of state are not able to attend, they delegate their ministers," he said.

He assured South Africans that the country will host a successful summit when he , along with Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi and Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana, briefed the media on the country's state of readiness for the summit.

Lamola said the summit will feature three main sessions on inclusive and sustainable economic growth, a resilient world, just energy transition, climate change, disaster risk reduction, and a fair and just future for critical minerals.

With sufficient consensus, the member states present would be able to agree on a declaration. 

Lamola said in the past, there have been challenges with other member states, which have never affected the outcomes of the summit and its declarations.

"It has happened in other countries that a declaration was not adopted, and a chairperson's summary was agreed upon. The same happened in Indonesia and Japan. This is part of a multilateral platform and it is not a uniquely South African issue. We have been very clear that we must achieve a leader's declaration in South Africa, and there is nothing that will prevent us from achieving this," he said.

Cape Times