Exclusion and support: Delving into the US 'banning' SA from G20 2026

The latest in the spat between South Africa and the United States is US President Donald Trump saying that South Africa will not be invited to G20 events in the USA in 2026.

Daily Maverick journalist Peter Fabricius says it's not quite that simple.

"The G20 doesn't really have any written rules, but the general feeling seems to be that you can only either admit or expel a member by consensus of all members."

RELATED: 'SA's G20 membership at the behest of all members' - Ramaphosa

Commenting on the potential response from other G20 members, Fabricius anticipates mixed reactions.

"South Africa got a huge amount of support from most countries at its own summit last weekend, but what's a bit worrying is that Trump is in effect asking other G20 member countries to choose between the US and South Africa... and that's quite a difficult choice, given the power of the US to harm or help your economy."

Fabricius points out that it' also risky for countries to take SA's side with Trump's "transactional approach to international relations."

He also says that this issue could come to a head quite quickly, as meetings to prepare for the 2026 G20 Summit are scheduled to start as early as next month.

RELATED: Trump's attempt to exclude SA from G20 'regrettable' - DA

To listen to Peter Fabricius in conversation with 702's John Perlman, click the audio below: