G20 2026: Mashatile says SA will continue engaging US counterparts

Deputy President Paul Mashatile said South Africa won’t boycott the G20 summit in the United States (US) in 2026 and will continue engaging their American counterparts.

But Mashatile said the G20 in Miami will be less “rigorous” than South Africa’s because it will be toned down with fewer guests.

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Mashatile made the remarks on Thursday during an engagement with the Parliamentary Press Gallery Association.

Mashatile said the country’s relations with the US could have an impact on the economy because it’s South Africa’s biggest trading partner on the continent.

He said South Africa wants to participate in the 2026 G20, despite threats by the US to not invite the country.

“We will continue to engage with them and, as I said earlier, we are preparing to participate; we’ve not raised the issue of boycotting the G20 at all.”

He said the G20 in South Africa was more intense than what is expected in the US.

“I guess what may happen is that the G20 in the US may not be as rigorous as the one in South Africa. For instance, I’ve already heard that President Trump said he will not invite guests like we did.”

Mashatile added that the economy remains resilient despite US tariffs.