G20 Summit | G20 Presidency handover likely to be 'low key'

The article is a transcript of an SABC News interview between host Oliver and Washington correspondent Nick Harper discussing strained US-South Africa relations following the G20 summit in Johannesburg. President Cyril Ramaphosa rejected a ceremonial handover of the G20 gavel to the US chargé d'affaires, opting for a low-key event later in the week, which has heightened tensions amid already fragile bilateral ties. Despite US warnings, South Africa and other G20 nations issued a declaration without consensus, prompting US accusations of South Africa 'weaponizing' the presidency and undermining G20 principles based on consensus. The US boycotted the summit entirely, sending no delegation under President Donald Trump, while Argentina also abstained from sending its leader. This defiance showcased multilateralism's resilience, as participating countries united against the US 'America First' agenda, even including Trump's allies like UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and to a lesser extent, Canada, who supported the declaration to affirm G20 solidarity. Implications include potential US barring of South Africa from next year's events under Trump's presidency, which could signal strong diplomatic repercussions or sanctions-like measures. The US plans to restore G20 legitimacy, emphasizing themes of inclusivity, sustainability, and solidarity, but may scale down engagements to a leaders' summit and financial meetings, potentially eliminating ministerial discussions on energy, health, and environment, while retaining focus on financial stability and development goals. The gavel handover is expected tomorrow at South Africa's Department of International Relations and Cooperation offices, with the White House likely to soon outline its G20 vision.