G20 Leaders Adopt Summit Declaration Early Amid Protocol Dispute

Tasha Siziba

Johannesburg — Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya confirmed that leaders of the G20 have formally adopted the summit’s declaration, following two days of high-level discussions in Johannesburg.

​Delegates gathered over the weekend for the annual summit, where negotiations and bilateral engagements shaped the direction of the final outcome. Magwenya noted that the declaration—customarily endorsed at the conclusion of the summit—was moved to the top of the day’s agenda after early meetings suggested that immediate adoption would be preferable.

​He described the adjustment as a minor procedural shift, saying it helped secure a unified position among participating nations.

​“The declaration has been adopted by the leaders here at the summit. We were edging closer and closer to that unanimous adoption, and now we have a summit declaration adopted,” Magwenya said.

​A significant portion of the declaration addresses ongoing global conflicts, reaffirming the G20’s intention to promote stability and cooperation across regions.

​Magwenya also addressed questions surrounding the symbolic passing of the G20 Presidency gavel, stressing that South Africa would not allow a “junior official” to receive it, as doing so would violate established diplomatic protocol.

​Reiterating South Africa’s commitment to constructive international engagement, Magwenya commented on the United States’ decision to boycott the summit.

​“It is a position of principle. America chose to boycott the summit. That is their choice, and that’s their prerogative to do so. But what cannot happen is a breach of protocol being forced,” he said.

​He emphasized that the rules must apply equally to all nations: “One must consider that there is more than one country. We cannot bend the rules for one country.”