00:00The decision to step back from G20 engagements arises from circumstances beyond the South
00:13African government's control.
00:15Without an invitation from the U.S. host, South Africa would not be able to take part
00:20in leadership meetings, working groups, or summit-level deliberations.
00:25This forced Pretoria into its decision, which is described as a temporary setback shaped
00:31by diplomatic constraints.
00:35And having hosted the most successful G20 summit in South Africa, it becomes quite unfortunate
00:44that South Africa is not invited to participate in the activities of the G20.
00:50That continuation of what happened in South Africa could also be missed.
00:57And my sense is that there should be a commitment from those who participated in South Africa
01:06to ensure that the agreements that have been reached are actually carried through.
01:12Ndo warns that the move could weaken Africa's representation in the G20, but added that
01:19other G20 members should be able to champion the continent's cause in the meantime.
01:25South Africa has been there in the G20 for quite some time.
01:31And I think they have got a good understanding of the dynamics and the activities taking place
01:40at the G20 level in terms of the progress that we should get through our participation in the G20.
01:51We can only rely on the other G20 member states in terms of how do they ensure that the commitments
02:02that were made in South Africa and the level of continuation has to take place in the U.S.
02:12The pause in the country's G20 participation comes at a time when South Africa is actively strengthening
02:18its ties with the African Union, BRICS+, and South-South Partnerships.
02:24Some caution that this does not mean that South Africa is ready to abandon relations with the West.
02:30It should not be seen as though South Africa is moving away from Western partners.
02:37Tensions are high between Washington and Pretoria.
02:41So this should be seen as a strategic shift temporarily to say let's pause and shy away from attending the G20.
02:52And it's temporary. I don't think it should be seen as something that is permanent.
02:55However, some critics say that with this move, South Africa may face risks in financing and trade,
03:02especially with U.S.-linked institutions.
03:05But Sean Masemula believes that investors will likely be more patient with the situation.
03:10Investors will be looking at different variables, especially in terms of the markets.
03:17But I don't think we should expect dramatic shifts because I think what investors are waiting
03:21for now, not just investors, but a lot of financial institutions are waiting for economic policy
03:27consistency. So they'll be looking at from here on what happens.
03:32The G20 group of nations includes the world's top economies, as well as the European Union
03:39and the African Union regional blocks. It accounts for 85 percent of the world's GDP
03:46and two-thirds of its population.
03:49South Africa plans to return to the G20 once the leadership moves to the United Kingdom in 2027.
03:57Yolissa N'Djamela for CGTN in Johannesburg, South Africa.
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