G20: Ntshavheni insists ‘no tensions’ between SA and US

Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzu Ntshavheni insists that there are no tensions between South Africa and the United States (US) and both countries remain part of the G20 troika, which includes the United Kingdom (UK).

She said South Africa will work with the US and the UK, which will take over the G20 presidency in 2027 after the US.

Ntshavheni also said that Cabinet ministers are not concerned about having their visas revoked by the US, as the country's ministers prepare to travel to the US for 2027’s summit.

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Ntshavheni said the declaration at the summit is not just about South Africa and involves several other countries, including the European Union (EU) and African Union (AU).

She said South Africa will remain part of discussions even through the US chose to stay away from the summit.

But the minister in the Presidency said this does not mean there's tensions between the two nations.

“There are no tensions between us and the US. The declaration that has been adopted, the declaration of G20 leaders, is not a declaration of one country over the other. It has been accepted and we’re going to implement the declaration of the G20.”

She said the UK will take over after the US and South Africa's voice will still be heard.

“We remain part of the troika of the G20, and we will make sure the South African voice will be there. If they don’t want us to participate, they will have to tell the 19 other members of the G20 that South Africa cannot participate, and the world will have to watch what the other members of the G20 will do.”

Ntshavheni said that they’re also not bothered that the US government might turn its sights to other members of Cabinet after revoking former International Relations Minister Naledi Pandor's visa without offering any explanation.