SA’s exclusion from Sherpa meeting sparks G20 influence concerns
South Africa’s exclusion from this month’s 20 Sherpa meeting in the United States, means that it will be unable to shape or influence important agendas or advance decisions reached at the recent Summit held in Johannesburg.
That’s the view of director of the African Centre for the Study of the United States at the University of Pretoria, professor Christopher Isike, who spoke to SABC News.
International Relations spokesperson, Chrispin Phiri has reiterated that as a founding member, South Africa’s commitment to the G20’s principles and collaborative framework remains steadfast.
He says all members recognise that the strength and legitimacy of the forum derive from its established composition and shared adherence to its founding protocols.
The two countries are at odds over a range of domestic and foreign policies.
The standoff came to a head when US President Donald Trump skipped last month’s G20 Summit hosted in Johannesburg.
South Africa handed over the G20 presidency to the US after the Summit.
VIDEO | G20 Sherpa Meeting | SA left out in the cold: Nick Harper updates
BREAKING NEWS | The US will host the first G20 sherpas meeting in Washington on December 15-16, 2025, and has made it clear that South Africa will not be invited. pic.twitter.com/PCeHeTNLi5
— SABC News (@SABCNews) December 2, 2025