THE DIPLOMATIC pot is boiling as South Africa and the United States clash over who said what and who's welcome at the G20 table.
President Cyril Ramaphosa told the nation on Thursday, 21 November, that the USA had sent a diplomatic note indicating it wanted to take part in the symbolic handover of the G20 presidency to Washington for 2026.
This shocked many after President Donald Trump had loudly boycotted the summit and even warned South Africa "not to expect a declaration."
But the White House went into full attack mode.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt accused Ramaphosa of "running his mouth" and insisted the USA had no intention of joining any official G20 discussions. She added that Trump and his team "didn't appreciate" the tone coming out of Mzansi.
Leavitt said only one thing was true - a junior diplomat, US Chargé d'Affaires Marc D. Dillard, would show up at the closing ceremony purely to accept the ceremonial handover.
No senior officials, no talks, or engagement.
A leaked diplomatic note circulating online shows the USA requesting accreditation for eight delegates, including Dillard as "Head of Delegation" along with several plenary and viewing room delegates.
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The note said the team planned to attend the handover ceremony on 23 November, despite Washington's public snub and insults.
While the USA plays hot-and-cold diplomacy, several global heavyweights have thrown their weight behind South Africa's push for a joint G20 declaration.
Germany, the UK and France are among the nations backing Mzansi's efforts to keep the summit on track.
French Ambassador to South Africa, Lesotho and Malawi, David Martinon, called the USA manoeuvre "quite unusual."
"I've never seen that. We have mixed feelings. It means they are eager to continue the good work and assume the presidency next January - that's good news.
"Not participating in the G20 summit is bad news because obviously they will not participate in any attempt to make progress," said Martinon.
