"If they want it, they must show up": Lamola on G20 handover

(The Post News) – As the G20 Leaders’ Summit approaches, South Africa is finalising preparations. They are getting ready for the ceremonial handover of the G20 Presidency to the United States.

However, there may be a hiccup as the handover would require for the U.S. actually to attend the summit. This has has raised questions about how the handover will unfold.

The summit is set to take place in Johannesburg. It marks the end of South Africa’s term as chair. It also marks the beginning of the US’s leadership for 2026.

Lamola: “The Show Must Go On”

International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola has confirmed that the summit will proceed with or without the United States.

“The institution cannot be brought down by someone who is absent,” Lamola said.

He told reporters during a media briefing on the state of readiness for the summit. He emphasised that South Africa is pushing for the adoption of a leaders’ declaration. This is a key outcome document. It outlines the collective priorities of G20 members.

Lamola noted that 16 of the 20 G20 countries will be represented at the head-of-state level. Others—including Russia, China, Mexico, and Argentina—will send foreign ministers or Sherpas. The US, however, has formally indicated it will not attend.

“If they do not attend, we will make a pronouncement about the outcomes of the summit. This includes specifically the leaders’ declaration,” Lamola said.

Lamola has stated that the US must send representatives to South Africa. This is necessary if it wishes to receive the G20 Presidency through a formal handover.

The US is next in line to chair the G20 and host the summit in 2026. However, its decision to skip this weekend’s Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg has cast uncertainty over the traditional ceremonial transition.

Handover Ceremony in Question

The G20 presidency is traditionally handed over during the closing session of the summit. The outgoing chair formally transfers leadership to the incoming host.

Lamola clarified that while the handover is largely ceremonial, it holds symbolic and diplomatic significance.

“If Washington wants it, they need to show up,” he said. “Otherwise, South Africa will proceed with announcing the outcomes and the declaration from Johannesburg”.

President Cyril Ramaphosa made it clear that South Africa would not adjust its agenda. This comes after the United States opted not to attend. In remarks reported by TimesLIVE, Ramaphosa emphasised that the summit would proceed with key decisions.

This would happen despite Washington’s absence. He framed it as a missed opportunity for the US to lead. His comments reflect South Africa’s firm stance on maintaining its sovereignty and priorities within global forums.

The South African government will not travel to the US to hand over the G20 presidency, it said this week. Image: The Herald

Despite the absence of the US, Lamola reaffirmed that South Africa remains committed to a smooth transition.

“We are ready to hand over to the United States,” he said. “But the ceremonial handover must happen in person. If not, the process will begin on their terms, at their own time.”