Lamola insists US must receive G20 Presidency at DIRCO, not on SA’s Summit stage

International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola has confirmed that the United States will not take over the G20 presidency during the high-profile summit in Johannesburg. Instead, the handover will occur at the Department of International Relations and Cooperation’s headquarters in Pretoria, a move Lamola says is necessary to uphold South Africa’s diplomatic protocol and protect the symbolic prestige of hosting the gathering.

Lamola made it clear that the Johannesburg summit is South Africa’s moment — and by extension Africa’s moment — to assert itself on the global stage. He stressed that the summit declaration reflects priorities central to the Global South, including climate financing, beneficiation of critical minerals and expanding Africa’s participation in emerging technology sectors.

With nearly a third of the world’s minerals essential for artificial intelligence and green technologies found on the continent, Lamola argued that Africa must play a decisive role in shaping the future economy.

His remarks followed concerns that the US had been preparing to send a lower-ranking official to accept the G20 leadership during the summit. Lamola dismissed that possibility, insisting the handover requires an appropriate level of representation — whether the US President, a Cabinet member or a specially appointed envoy. Anything less, he said, would undermine the dignity of South Africa’s presidency and the seriousness of the transition.

Lamola emphasised that the handover will take place only at DIRCO or another location within South Africa’s borders, should Washington request an alternative venue. What will not happen, he stressed, is a handover on the summit floor that dilutes South Africa’s hosting role.

While maintaining a firm stance on protocol, Lamola also reiterated that South Africa remains committed to meaningful cooperation with the United States and other G20 partners. The distinction, he said, lies in ensuring that diplomatic relations proceed on terms that respect South Africa’s sovereignty and the broader aspirations of the African continent.