- By Shivangi Sharma
- Sun, 23 Nov 2025 05:39 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
A diplomatic rift between Pretoria and Washington deepened over the weekend as South Africa refused to attend an official G20 handover ceremony, citing a breach of protocol by the United States. The decision came just days after a White House spokesperson sharply criticised President Cyril Ramaphosa for “running his mouth” about the US and President Donald Trump.
South African Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola made it clear that Ramaphosa would not participate in a ceremony that required handing the G20 presidency to what Pretoria called a “junior embassy official.” “The United States is a member of the G20, and if they want to be represented, they can still send anyone at the right level,” Lamola said. “It is the leaders’ summit. The right level is the head of state, a special envoy appointed by the president of that country, or it could also be a minister.”
Lamola added that the handover could take place later, possibly at South Africa’s foreign ministry headquarters, but emphasised that Ramaphosa “will not be handing over to the charge d’affaires from the US.”
Government spokesperson Vincent Magwenya echoed the sentiment, stating firmly that South Africa would not “bend the rules” for any nation. “The President will not hand over to a junior embassy official. It’s a breach of protocol that is not going to be accommodated or allowed in this instance.”
Protocol Clash Amid US Boycott
The standoff stems from Washington’s decision to send a lower-ranking delegation to the Johannesburg summit, reportedly due to US objections to South Africa’s G20 agenda, which prioritises climate change, global inequality, and development financing. The US delegation stayed away from official talks, further straining relations.
Adding fuel to the fire, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt reiterated Washington’s displeasure, stating, “I saw the South African President running his mouth a little bit against the United States and @POTUS… and that language is not appreciated by @POTUS and his team.”
.@PressSec: "The United States is not participating in official talks at the G20 in South Africa. I saw the South African President running his mouth a little bit against the United States and @POTUS... and that language is not appreciated by @POTUS and his team." pic.twitter.com/82sli52oRD
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) November 20, 2025
In response, Pretoria stressed that no G20 handover has ever been conducted between mismatched protocol levels, and agreeing to one now would set an unacceptable precedent.
Historic Break In G20 Tradition
South Africa also broke with tradition by releasing the G20 leaders’ declaration on the opening day of the summit, despite US objections. Typically, the declaration is published at the end of the summit. South Africa currently holds the G20 presidency on the grouping’s rotating basis. The US is set to take over next year, with President Trump planning to host the 2026 summit in Doral, Florida.