Mashatile addresses uncertainty over SA's G20 participation under Trump

Deputy President Paul Mashatile on Thursday said it was still too early to know whether US President Donald Trump will completely prevent South Africa from attending the G20 in Miami next year.

Mashatile said all the other countries in the G20 were supporting Africa's participation despite US’ hostility towards South Africa and that the country will continue to engage with other countries.

“We have not raised the issue of boycotting the G20 in the US. It does not really arise even from our other partners. If they raise it, of course, we will discuss, but that's not our preference,” he said.

“Our view is that we should do everything to seek to participate in the G20 in the US next year in Miami.”

The Deputy President acknowledged the unpredictability of Trump's decisions, hinting that the fluctuating political landscape makes it difficult to anticipate if South Africa will indeed receive an invitation to the summit.

“Once we get a firm position that we are not invited (and) we are not given visas, obviously, it will be difficult for us to attend,” he said.

“We work on the basis that we will attend,” said Mashatile.

Mashatile made the statement at a breakfast briefing with the Press Gallery Association in Parliament on Thursday morning.

His remarks come at a time when trade relations between South Africa and the United States are facing challenges, raising concerns over the potential economic impact.

Mashatile told the parliamentary journalists that South Africa would continue to engage on trade issues with the US despite the impasse.

“We are the biggest trading partner on the continent with the US. When there are these challenges, obviously, we get concerned. If there are negative vibes, we will get concerned that it can affect our economy negatively.”

Mashatile remained upbeat, projecting a positive outlook for South Africa’s economic future.

He pointed to improvements in the electricity supply, among other things.

“We think that the economy will continue to do well.”

He added that the key out of the G20 Leaders’ Summit held in Johannesburg last month was the G20 Declaration, which focused on solidarity, equality, and sustainability with an emphasis on multilateral cooperation and global interconnectedness.

“As we move forward, we must work with great focus and determination to tackle the challenges facing our country and achieve the aspirations set forth at the beginning of our democracy.

“The vision for a prosperous South Africa aims to create a shared future and a better environment for our children and future generations. Achieving this dream requires the contribution of every individual, regardless of the size of their efforts.”

Mashatile noted that as part of the G20 engagements, the 11th P20 Speakers' Summit produced recommendations aligned with South Africa's G20 Presidency priorities.

These included support for low and middle income countries facing debt vulnerabilities and a commitment to enhancing the G20 Common Framework for debt treatments.

mayibongwe.maqhina@inl.co.za