Group 1 - South Africa's Finance Minister, Godongwana, downplayed the country's exclusion from the G20 as a "temporary setback" and does not foresee ongoing diplomatic rifts with the US during its G20 presidency [1] - Godongwana confirmed that South Africa has effectively "withdrawn" from G20 activities after the US signaled it would not welcome South Africa during its presidency [1] - He stated that South Africa will be absent from the G20 summit in 2026 due to the US's control over certification rights, which are necessary for participation [1] Group 2 - Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Ebrahim Patel, emphasized Africa's strategic importance in the global economy and urged investors to recognize the continent's long-term potential [2] - Patel highlighted South Africa's role as a gateway to the broader African market and called for enhanced business cooperation and long-term partnerships [2] - Despite existing challenges, progress is evident with improvements in policy and regulatory environments, stronger institutions, reduced conflict hotspots, and an increase in youth startups attracting global venture capital [2]

Group 1 - South Africa will "temporarily abstain" from participating in the G20 meetings during its presidency until normalcy is restored [1] - South African President Ramaphosa stated that the country's performance as G20 chair has been internationally recognized as a successful example [1] - South Africa is prepared not to attend the G20 series of meetings in 2026, planning to resume participation when the UK takes over the presidency a year later [1] Group 2 - South Africa's presidential spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, mentioned that meaningful discussions on global issues will be possible when the UK assumes the G20 presidency next year [1] - Magwenya humorously noted that South Africa will "temporarily air advertisements" until normal programming resumes [1] - Recently, U.S. President Trump announced that South Africa would not be invited to the G20 summit in 2026, which will be held in the United States [1]