Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana has said South Africa will reduce its participation in G20 activities during the United States presidency, describing the move as a temporary but inevitable setback driven by diplomatic realities rather than a choice.
Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos on Thursday, Godongwana confirmed that South Africa will not actively engage in US-hosted G20 events after Washington signaled its refusal to recognize the country.
“It's not because the Americans can kick us out of the G20,” Godongwana said. “But they have an important tool, accreditation. If you don't have it, you can't go into the venue, even if you're nearby. So they won't accredit us.”
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The decision follows comments made by United States President Donald Trump in November, when he said South Africa would not be invited to events organized by Washington. His comments come amid months of strained relations between the two countries, during which Trump falsely claimed that white people in South Africa were facing genocide.
This development is particularly impressive given South Africa's leading role within the group. In 2025, it became the first African country to hold the presidency of the G20, a milestone that is widely seen as a breakthrough for the continent's representation in global economic governance.
Godongwana tried to minimize the long-term impact of the boycott, and stressed that Africa would not be silenced within the forum.
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“Africa's voice will still be heard through the African Union,” he said, adding that South Africa remains a committed member of the G20 despite the current diplomatic impasse.
He also expressed confidence that this situation will not continue beyond the US presidency. He said Britain, which is set to take over the G20 presidency in 2027, was unlikely to take a similar stance.
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Godongwana said, “I do not believe that the British will oust South Africa.”
Despite failure at the G20, South Africa is establishing itself as a major convening force on global economic and development issues. Godongwana confirmed that the country will host the World Economic Forum's special Africa summit in April next year, with the event expected to bring together political and business leaders to discuss investment, development and the continent's role in the global economy.
