Lamola justifies decision to decline G20 handover to US Charge d'Affairs after Trump no-show

International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola said there is no disrespect intended by South Africa's refusal to hand over the G20 leadership to a US Embassy diplomat.

However, Lamola stated that it would "not be proper" for a head of state to pass on the presidency to a Charge d'Affairs. This decision comes after US President Donald Trump snubbed the occasion and withdrew an earlier decision to send his Vice-President, JD Vance.

Instead, the exchange of documents will now take place on a diplomatic level at the Department of International Relations office in Pretoria next week. Lamola says this unprecedented handover to the next host will accord the US "equivalent respect."

"As the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, we are very much ready, we are prepared, and this cannot in any way strain relations, because we are doing it at an appropriate level."

In a surprise move, President Cyril Ramaphosa put the final declaration to a vote straight after delivering his opening remarks on Saturday.

With the exception of Argentina, all other countriespresent gave the 30-page declaration a thumbs up.

42 countries are attending the two-day summit.

The US is the only G20 member not present.

Lamola reiterated that the US absence was a voluntary decision.

"The absence of the US is voluntary. They voluntarily absented themselves. So as South Africa, we’ve always been clear, that the US is welcome. They can come at any time."

Government confirmed it has every intention of fully participating in next year’s G20 programme.