South Africa has officially transferred the G20 presidency to the United States in a subdued handover ceremony, marking the end of its year leading the world’s major economies. The event was held at the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) in Pretoria, attended by a senior South African official and the U.S. chargé d’affaires. 

The decision to keep the handover modest, rather than conduct it at the G20 summit in Johannesburg, reflects lingering diplomatic tensions. International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola said the U.S. envoy would pick up the presidency at Dirco “at an appropriate, equivalent level,” rather than at a high-profile summit ceremony. TimesLIVE reported that he emphasised that while South Africa strongly respected the U.S., protocol matters: “Our president cannot hand over to a chargé d’affaires in a leaders’ summit attended by so many heads of state.” 

South African officials say both sides agreed to a low-key approach. Dirco Director-General Zane Dangor told media the arrangement was mutual: “The agreement is that we should do it quietly … a senior official from Dirco will hand over to the U.S. chargé d’affaires.” 

According to eNCA reporting, the handover is effective as of 1 December 2025, when the United States assumes the G20 presidency. Despite some tense exchanges during the Johannesburg summit, particularly around the level of U.S. representation, South Africa publicly affirmed its continued commitment to multilateral cooperation. 

President Cyril Ramaphosa, in closing remarks at the summit, said the transfer symbolises both countries’ resolve to champion global economic fairness, climate action, and inclusive growth, key priorities of South Africa’s year at the G20 helm.