US–SA diplomatic standoff deepens over G20 handover dispute

Tensions between South Africa and the United States appear far from easing, with the Presidency firmly noting that President Cyril Ramaphosa will not be handing over the G20 presidency to a chargé d’affaires (deputy ambassador).

From International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola saying the world can function with or without the United States, to President Cyril Ramaphosa insisting that South Africa will not be bullied by Washington, recent days have shown that diplomatic relations between the two countries are strained.

On Thursday afternoon, Ramaphosa announced that Washington was reconsidering its decision to skip this weekend’s G20 Summit; however, the Trump administration swiftly moved to dismiss his remarks.

The US government clarified that none of its top leaders would attend the all-important summit, saying a consular delegation would instead receive the G20 presidency.

In the absence of its ambassador, the US intends to send its chargé d’affaires (deputy ambassador), March Dillard, for the handover.

US Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt issued a sharp rebuke to Ramaphosa, accusing him of spreading fake news about Washington reconsidering its decision to skip the G20 Summit.

“The United States is not participating in official talks at the G20 in South Africa. I saw the South African president running his mouth a little bit against the United States and its president, and that language is not appreciated by the president and his team.”

She confirmed that the United States has instead decided to send representatives from its embassy.

However, in a post on social media platform X, Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya insisted that Ramaphosa will not hand over the G20 presidency to a chargé d’affaires.