South Africa poised for successful G20 summit despite key leaders' absence

Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, has assured South Africans that the country will host a successful G20 Leaders' Summit.

Lamola said the country's ability to host a truly Pan African summit remains unaffected by the absence of major powerhouses such as the United States and Argentina.

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.

On Monday, Lamola, alongside Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi and Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana, briefed the media on the country's state of readiness for the summit.

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.

Lamola indicated that 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.

"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.

According to media reports, Russia’s representative will be represented by the Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office, Maxim Oreshkin, while China’s President, Xi Jinping, will be represented by his second-in-command, Li Qiang. Meanwhile, Mexico’s new president, Claudia Scheinbaum, will not attend.

Lamola said the summit will feature three main sessions, including 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.

He added that 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 that and it is not a uniquely South African issue. We have been very clear that in that, we must achieve a leader's declaration in South Africa, and there is nothing that will prevent us from achieving this," he said.

siyabonga.sithole@inl.co.za