World moves on from G20

DEVELOPMENT: LITTLE RESPONSE TO TRUMP'S THREAT TO EXCLUDE SA AT 2026 MEETING

- Jarryd Westerdale

World leaders left Johannesburg with an outpouring of affirmation for the host nation, but will the heads of state present take a stand as the US attempts to take the shine off South Africa's moment?

Hours after the US received the symbolic G20 gavel during a subdued administrative handover on Wednesday, President Donald Trump announced that he would not invite South Africa to the 2026 edition of the summit.

Little support has so far come from European, African or Asian leaders, while established political fault lines remain locally.

AfriForum CEO Kallie Kriel described Trump's latest comments as "an unfortunate development", with the EFF characterising the US stance as "reckless, brazen and vindictive".

No show of solidarity has come from G20 members as yet, save for German ambassador Andreas Peschke posting on X that "South Africa is needed at the table".

Political analyst Prof André Duvenhage said G20 matters were no longer pressing, explaining to The Citizen that other events were now dominating the world agenda.