Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana and Reserve Bank Governor Lesetja Kganyago have been excluded from attending the G20 finance summit in Washington due to the United States’ refusal to accredit them. This move has sparked a diplomatic rift between the two countries, with Godongwana describing it as a “temporary setback” for 2026.
Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Godongwana stated, “What we do know is that South Africa is on leave in 2026 — not because the Americans can chase us out of the G20 but because they hold an important instrument: the accreditation. If you don’t have accreditation, you can’t get into the venue, even if you’re around”.
The US decision comes amid escalating tensions between the two countries, with President Donald Trump previously announcing that South Africa would not be invited to the G20 summit he plans to host in Miami. Trump has falsely claimed that South Africa is committing “genocide” against white Afrikaans people and seizing land without compensation. Godongwana emphasized that South Africa’s exclusion is not a permanent situation, saying, “We must take this as a temporary setback for 2026. In 2027, the president, I think, is going to be the UK. I doubt that the UK will take a similar posture”.
The African Union, which is still invited to the G20 in 2026, is expected to represent the continent’s voice. Godongwana added, “In terms of the African voice, the AU is still in as a member”.This diplomatic spat highlights the ongoing tensions between South Africa and the US, with the South African government denying allegations of racial violence and land seizures. The situation remains fluid, with potential implications for future international relations and economic partnerships.
