South Africa has condemned the United States’ decision to cancel its G20 membership, calling the move procedurally flawed and dismissive of multilateralism.
Brett Herron, GOOD Secretary-General and member of the Unite for Change Leadership Council, described the US action as “disdainful of multilateralism” and warned that South Africa’s position as a founding G20 member cannot be undone by “right-wing rhetoric and false narratives.”
South Africa joined the G20 not only as one of the world’s top 20 economies but also to advance multilateralism and amplify Africa’s voice in global decision-making. Herron emphasised that the country’s right to participate in G20 activities is grounded in law and history, and should not be unilaterally revoked.
The G20, originally formed in response to the late 1990s Asian financial crisis, was initially a platform for Finance Ministers, Reserve Bank Governors, and economists. Following the 2008 Global Financial Crisis, it expanded into a Leaders’ Summit to discuss broader international agendas. Last month, Johannesburg hosted the first-ever African G20 Leaders’ Summit under the theme “Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability,” which the US chose not to attend.
Herron criticised the US for avoiding discussions on climate change, renewable energy, and global health, accusing its leadership of promoting “spite, division and radical agendas.” He also highlighted that the US decision has opened space for Poland, a European member whose leadership aligns closely with Washington and right-wing sentiments.
Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, issued a rebuttal to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, defending South Africa’s hosting of the summit and the positive international reception it received. Herron urged South Africa to continue engaging with the US diplomatically, pointing out misrepresentations while maintaining its principles of multilateralism, equality, and multiculturalism.
“South Africa should not seek confrontation with a large trading partner, but it also must not bow to its agenda,” Herron said. “The principles of multilateralism and equality are only beginning to gain traction, and our country must stand firm.”
