The Lead: SA’s high stakes G20 and whiplash from Washington

South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that the Trump administration has reversed its boycott and expressed willingness to participate in the G20 summit in Johannesburg in some form, marking Africa's first hosting of the event amid citywide sprucing up efforts like filling potholes and clearing homeless camps. Key leaders from China, Mexico, Argentina, and Russia are absent but represented by deputies, while negotiations continue for a joint declaration despite U.S. reservations, with the MK party opposing the summit. In contrast, the B20 business forum saw the U.S. Chamber of Commerce vice president praise South Africa's economic ambitions. This summit underscores South Africa's resolve to assert global influence and proceed undeterred, setting the stage for a symbolic handover to the U.S. next year.