Ronald Lamola has confirmed that the United States will be represented at the G20 Foreign Ministers meeting this week, despite the absence of US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio. Image GCIS.
(The Post News)– South Africa is scheduled to host the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on February 20 and 21 in Johannesburg with the theme “Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability.” The conference will take place at a critical time for SA with regards to its ties with the rest of the world, particularly the U.S., as Donald Trump’s recent executive order reduced aid to the nation.
Key factors in the U.S. administration’s decision were its lawsuit against Israel in the International Court of Justice and South Africa’s Expropriation Act, which permits property seizures without payment. Ronald Lamola, the South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, emphasised that the G20 agenda is still a team effort supported by all participating countries.
The G20 is not just about South Africa,” Lamola said. “This agenda has been shaped over many years by previous hosts, including Indonesia, India, and now Brazil. We are simply carrying that momentum forward, with support from G7 nations, BRICS countries, and the European Union,” he added.
While Washington is yet to respond to formal diplomatic engagements from South Africa regarding the executive order, Pretoria remains open to discussions. Land reform continues to be a major area of contention in U.S.-South Africa relations. The Trump administration has been outspoken in its criticism of South Africa’s Expropriation Act, which permits the redistribution of land without payment. Lamola, however, maintains that the law is required to remedy historical injustices and is consistent with South Africa’s Constitution.
“South Africa, like every other country, has laws on expropriation,” he said. “In the U.S., it’s called ’eminent domain.’ In the U.K. and in Germany, they also have expropriation laws. The only difference is that in South Africa, we are using it to correct racial injustices of the past.” Additionally, he underlined that land redistribution would adhere to due procedure and not lead to capricious land seizures. “No land grab is taking place. “Everything is being done in accordance with the law,” he said.
Notwithstanding these obstacles, South Africa is nevertheless dedicated to promoting international communication and making sure the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting is a success. Lamola reaffirmed that everyone is welcome, saying, “We are hosting this meeting in the spirit of international cooperation, and we encourage open, respectful discussions between all nations.”
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