Lamola Criticises G20 Silence After South Africa’s Exclusion From US Meetings

International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola has expressed disappointment that other G20 members have not spoken out in support of South Africa after the country was excluded from the bloc’s meetings in the United States.

Lamola made the remarks during an event at the Council on Foreign Relations in New York, where he also said South Africa would not attempt to attend the US meetings without an invitation or encourage other countries to boycott them.

He nevertheless said South Africa remained prepared to participate if the United States changed its position.

South Africa Will Not Gatecrash Meetings

Lamola said South Africa would not seek to force its way into meetings from which it had been excluded.

His comments indicate that Pretoria intends to maintain its position on participation while avoiding measures that could escalate the dispute with Washington.

The minister also expressed concern that other G20 countries had not publicly defended South Africa over its exclusion.

Lamola Rejects Genocide Claims

Addressing a US audience, Lamola also rejected claims that genocide was taking place in South Africa, describing such allegations as “fake news”.

He said South Africa’s three arms of government were working to protect the country’s unity and diversity.

The comments come amid scrutiny in the United States over claims concerning South Africa and its treatment of its population. Lamola presented the South African government’s position directly to the audience at the New York event.

Refugees Would Be Welcomed Back

Lamola also addressed South Africans who had travelled to the United States as refugees, saying those who had left would be welcomed back if they decided to return.

His comments reaffirmed the government’s position that South Africa remained open to their return.