Lamola made the remarks during a joint press conference with German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul in Pretoria, amid questions over SA’s participation in upcoming G20 engagements in Florida.

Lamola said SA had raised its status as a founding member of the forum and rejected any suggestion that the country could be treated as an invited participant. “We have raised the fact that we are a founding member of the G20. We are not an invitee and no country can decide on its own to disinvite a founding member of the G20,” Lamola said.

Lamola said SA remains ready to participate in G20 processes and expects the matter to be discussed by member states. “SA remains available to attend the G20,” Lamola said.

The comments come as SA continues to assert its role in global economic governance and multilateral institutions. The G20 brings together major advanced and emerging economies to discuss global financial stability, trade, development, climate issues and economic cooperation.

Lamola said the question of any possible exclusion should be placed formally before G20 members. “So this is the question we ask to all members of the G20 who will be going to Florida: that this matter should be put on the table. There must be a discussion,” Lamola said.

Lamola questioned the legitimacy of any G20 meeting that excludes a founding member that remains willing to attend. “What nature of the forum will it be without one of the founding members who did not voluntarily not attend?” Lamola said.

–SABC/ChannelAfrica–