Cape Town – South Africa has downplayed concerns over the absence of a few leaders at this week’s G20 summit, which it is hosting as part of its year-long presidency.
The US, following President Donald Trump’s false claims of “white genocide” in South Africa, will not attend, and four other leaders — from China, Mexico, Argentina, and Russia — will also skip the summit, though their countries will be represented by foreign ministers.
DIRCO minister, Ronald Lamola
“42 countries are confirmed for participation at various levels. This includes twenty G20 members (excluding the United States), 16 guest countries and 6 countries representing Regional Economic Communities in Africa, the Caribbean and East Asia.” pic.twitter.com/ORxv1Zipn8— Thando Maeko (@HelloThando) November 17, 2025
International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola has emphasised that these absences are not a snub and that discussions will continue as planned, with agreements possible among the attending member states.
“They’re not attending, you can call it whatever – others will call it a boycott, others will call it non-attendance – but the reality is that they are not attending but we’ve focused on the job, we’ve done our job,” the minister said.
He said that Four other leaders — China, Mexico, Argentina, and Russia — will skip the G20 summit, but their countries will still be represented by foreign ministers.
“We don’t see this as a snub or the undermining of Africa,” Lamola said.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
