South Africa has confirmed it won’t participate in the 2026 G20 meetings after being formally excluded by the United States, which will hold the presidency next year. Pretoria described its stance as taking a “commercial break” during the US leadership of the bloc .

The move follows a strongly worded statement by US Senator Marco Rubio, who reaffirmed that South Africa wouldn’t be invited to the US-hosted G20. Rubio criticized South Africa’s policy direction, citing concerns over land, regulatory and equity frameworks, climate activism, diversity and inclusion initiatives, and reliance on foreign aid .

Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said South Africa will re-engage once the G20 presidency changes hands in 2027. Analysts warn that South Africa’s absence may diminish its influence within the economic forum, particularly on issues affecting the Global South .

The exclusion has sparked concerns about weakened collective advocacy among developing nations amidst growing geopolitical uncertainty.
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