G20: Summit declaration adopted by consensus

In a broadcast faux pas, it has been revealed that the G20 leaders’ attending a meeting in Johannesburg have already adopted their summit declaration.

In his opening remarks which were broadcast live, President Cyril Ramaphosa said the gathering would aim to reach a consensus declaration by the end of the two-day meeting.

But just moments later with the cameras still rolling Ramaphosa called on leaders to agree to the summit outcome an action that was not meant to be broadcast live.

During the public statement Ramaphosa thanked the delegations which had worked with South Africa to produce a declaration from the summit.

However, before the broadcast feed streaming to hundreds of media in an adjacent venue could be cut, Ramaphosa signalled that a proposed declaration thrashed out by sherpas had already met leaders’ approval.

“We would like therefore to put the proposed declaration as the G20 South Africa leaders’ declaration to put it forward for your adoption.” Ramaphosa said. 

With the sound then muted and International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola’s futile attempts to stop Ramaphosa from talking delegates could be seen agreeing and applauding to his request to adopt the declaration.