USA: South Africa warns that a G20 without it could lack legitimacy

South African Minister Ronald Lamola rejected any exclusion of South Africa from the G20, stating that its presence is essential for the summit's legitimacy. Relations between Pretoria and Washington have deteriorated since 2025, particularly after the U.S. boycott of the Johannesburg summit. Lamola also noted that South Africa hopes for normal reintegration during the British presidency of the G20 in 2027.