Godongwana plays down G20 snub as he reassures Africa’s enduring global voice
Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos on Thursday during a media briefing on South Africa's successful hosting of the G20 Summit.
Image: YouTube screengrab
inance Minister Enoch Godongwana has sought to reassure investors and stakeholders that Africa’s voice in global matters will remain robust, despite South Africa's exclusion from the G20 meetings in 2026.
This assertion comes in the wake of geopolitical tensions and mounting uncertainties surrounding international relations, according to Business Report.
Addressing concerns during a media briefing at the World Economic Forum in Davos on Thursday, Godongwana described South Africa's absence from the G20 proceedings in Miami as merely a “temporary setback” rather than an indication of any permanent structural exclusion from the dialogue that shapes global governance and economic policy.
“The structure of the G20 for now is that the founding member on the African continent is South Africa. Subsequent to that, the AU (African Union) has been accepted as a permanent member,” Godongwana explained.
His remarks came shortly after South Africa successfully hosted the G20 Summit in Johannesburg in November 2025.
Despite the positive outcomes from the recent summit, discussions regarding South Africa's participation were overshadowed by the refusal of the US delegation to attend, Business Report stated. The absence of the US President, influenced by his controversial views on South African policies, sparked concerns about the African continent’s representation on this pivotal global stage.
Confirming South Africa’s status, Godongwana stated that the nation was not formally expelled but rather facing an accreditation issue that would prevent participation in 2026, “What we do know is that South Africa is on leave in 2026… If you don’t have the accreditation, you can’t get into the ring, even if you’re around,” he noted.
Nevertheless, he emphasised that the African Union's presence remains intact, ensuring that Africa’s voice is still represented within the G20 framework.
Looking to the future, Godongwana expressed optimism that South Africa's absence would not signal a longer-term trend, particularly with the UK hosting the G20 presidency in 2027. “I doubt if the UK will take a similar posture. So it’s a temporary setback for 2026 only," he asserted.
The backdrop of Godongwana’s comments highlights an increasingly fragmented global landscape, marked by shifting alliances and a growing scrutiny of multilateral efforts.
The G20's recent deliberations have tackled significant themes, such as the need for increased financing and practical solutions for developing and low-income countries. Noteworthy recommendations included addressing debt concerns and enhancing the economic capacity of nations where critical minerals are sourced — a proposal that echoes calls for beneficiation at the point of extraction.
Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, also addressed attendees, commenting on the G20 leaders' consensus regarding the importance of ensuring that the extraction of minerals positively benefits local communities.
He acknowledged the relevance of emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, in addressing inequality, referencing an impactful report by Professor Joseph Stiglitz that advocates for high-level discussions in various multilateral settings.
As South Africa navigates these complexities, Godongwana's reassurance serves to bolster investor confidence while reinforcing the resilience of Africa’s voice on the global stage amidst evolving dynamics.
IOL