SA hands over G20 Presidency to junior US diplomat

In a break with longstanding tradition, South Africa has handed over the G20 Presidency to a junior United States (US) diplomat. 

This came after the White House boycotted the summit in South Africa, citing false claims of persecution of white people by the government.

The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) said the G20 Presidency was handed over to the US on Tuesday.

The handover of the G20 Presidency from South Africa to the US took place during a low-key event in Pretoria.

The handover process was not immediately acknowledged through media statements DIRCO.

DIRCO told EWN that the handover was done at official level, with the US’ Charge d affaires David Greene representing Washington.

The South African government refused to have President Cyril Ramaphosa handover the reigns to Greene at the summit, saying this was against protocol since he was a junior diplomat.

The US’ G20 presidency begins on 1 December 2025.