Position of US and handover of G20 Presidency: Mzwandile Mbeje

The article is a transcript of an SABC discussion on day one of the G20 Leaders' Summit hosted by South Africa under President Cyril Ramaphosa. Politics editor Zundy Lambe explains key dynamics: A declaration was adopted early via consensus, unusually ahead of the summit's close, despite Argentina noting concerns on certain issues without blocking agreement—a common practice seen in prior summits like Brazil's. The US absence did not derail proceedings; leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, emphasized focusing on work without distraction, viewing fixation on the US as implying its undue influence. Pre-summit support from attending nations and ongoing financial engagements involving the US suggest tacit acceptance of declaration elements. South Africa maintains no animosity toward the US, which appears to have issues with South Africa; the G20 presidency handover next week will be ceremonial, handled by DIRCO in consultation with the US State Department, avoiding direct transfer to unaccredited junior embassy staff. The US plans to downscale the G20, returning to basics, raising questions about continuity and South African delegation's welcome. As part of the G20 troika with the US and UK—the latter supportive of South Africa's priorities—South Africa aims to amplify Africa's voice. Domestically, hosting the summit bolsters the Government of National Unity (GNU) by involving multi-party ministers (e.g., agriculture) in international diplomacy, fostering unity on national interests amid US rhetoric and domestic political challenges for Ramaphosa.