Transfer of G20 presidency from SA to US likely to happen at later stage - DIRCO

The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) said the transfer of the G20 presidency from South Africa to the United States (US) is likely to take place at a later date at its offices in Pretoria.

US President Donald Trump has chosen not to attend the summit, citing false claims about a “white genocide” in South Africa.

Earlier this week, the White House announced it had sent a delegation from its embassy to officially receive the G20 presidency from South Africa.

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While the White House wanted to send its deputy ambassador to South Africa to receive the G20 presidency, the South African government has made it clear that it will not transfer the presidency to what it refers to as a junior US official.

Government has expressed that it had expected the presidency to be handed over either to Trump or a senior official, but it will ot tolerate the current treatment from the US.

International Relations spokesperson Chrispin Phiri said with the US chair at the G20 summit remaining empty, the handover will instead take place at DIRCO’s offices in the capital city.

“We have made it clear that the president will not hand over to a junior official, and that’s where we are with that. The handing over may happen at the headquarters of DIRCO at the appropriate level.” Phiri said.

He confirmed that there will be no handover ceremony at the G20 summit on Sunday.