South African officials have expressed concerns after the US failed to attend the preparatory sherpas’ meeting in South Africa. This absence raised questions about the US's commitment to the G-20 process. South Africa intends to contact the US government next week to discuss its future involvement in the group.

Diplomatic Tensions

The US's non-participation follows a series of tensions between the two countries, including an uneasy meeting between South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and US President Donald Trump last month. Despite diplomatic efforts to restore relations, there has been no confirmation of US participation in future G-20 events.

Core Themes and US Opposition

The US has repeatedly pushed back against South Africa’s focus on solidarity and equality, which are central themes for the 2025 G-20 summit. The US's stance has raised doubts about whether it will attend the November summit, despite being a key member of the G-20 troika alongside South Africa and Brazil.

Presidential Relations and Unforeseen Developments

In a recent White House meeting, President Trump made controversial remarks about South Africa, including unfounded claims about a genocide against White farmers. This added further strain to the diplomatic relations between the two nations.