South Africa’s International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola has welcomed the decision by United States President Donald Trump to send Vice President JD Vance to represent Washington at the upcoming Group of 20 (G20) Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg this November.
The announcement, made late Friday, ended speculation about Trump’s personal attendance. The U.S. president confirmed he would not travel to South Africa, instead pointing to his intention to host the 2026 G20 summit at his Doral golf resort in Florida.
Speaking on the sidelines of the funeral of Ambassador Mninwa Johannes Mahlangu in Middelburg, Mpumalanga, Lamola stressed that the U.S. delegation remains crucial for the credibility of the summit.
“We welcome the fact that he has assigned his Deputy President, Vance, to be the one who attends the G20 in SA. That is a welcomed development because the US can assign anyone that President Trump deems necessary, and we look forward to interact with him in the platforms of the G20,” Lamola told SABC News.
He added that Trump may be “reluctant to travel a long distance,” but insisted that South Africa expects “ambitious outcomes” from the gathering, cautioning against “conspirational or second-guessing.”
Analysis: Reading Between the Lines
Trump’s absence will not go unnoticed. South Africa is hosting the G20 for the first time, and while Washington’s participation is intact through Vance, the president’s non-appearance raises questions about U.S. priorities on the continent.
A Frosty Relationship
Relations between Pretoria and Washington have cooled since Trump’s return to office in January. His administration has criticized South Africa’s alignment with Russia and China within the BRICS bloc. Pretoria, in turn, has bristled at U.S. pressure, insisting on its right to pursue an independent foreign policy. Against this backdrop, Trump’s decision not to attend may reflect both political calculation and personal disinterest in long-haul diplomacy.
The Vance Factor
JD Vance, Trump’s populist vice president, is a political newcomer on the world stage. Known for his skepticism of globalist institutions and trade deals, Vance embodies a more nationalist approach to U.S. foreign policy. His presence in Johannesburg could bring sharp rhetoric but also provide an opening for African leaders to engage Washington’s second-in-command directly. How Vance navigates the summit will be closely watched.
South Africa’s Balancing Act
For South Africa, the stakes are high.
Diplomatic Optics: Hosting the G20 is a moment of prestige. Lamola’s warm welcome of Vance appears designed to blunt perceptions of a U.S. snub.
Economic Urgency: With sluggish growth and power shortages at home, South Africa needs to attract foreign investment. Keeping U.S. relations steady, even under strain, is part of that effort.
Geopolitical Strategy: Trump’s absence gives Pretoria more space to champion Global South priorities such as debt relief and climate financing, while still leaving the door open for dialogue with Washington.
What to Watch Before November
Tone of U.S. Engagement: Will Vance’s message align with Trump’s combative style or adopt a more diplomatic tone?
African Agenda: Can President Cyril Ramaphosa and Lamola push for meaningful commitments on Africa’s debt, trade, and climate financing?
Symbolism of Presence: With leaders like Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping expected to attend in person, Trump’s absence risks reinforcing perceptions of U.S. disengagement in Africa.
While Trump’s no-show may cast a shadow, the U.S. is not absent from the G20. JD Vance’s participation ensures Washington’s voice remains part of the conversation. For South Africa, the challenge is to use the summit not only to showcase African priorities but also to prove that the success of Johannesburg’s G20 does not hinge on any one leader’s presence.
The message from Pretoria is clear: South Africa intends to lead — with or without Trump in the room.
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