There was drama on Thursday night when President Cyril Ramaphosa confirmed South Africa had received a formal notice from the United States confirming that it has changed its mind and now intends to attend the G20 Leaders Summit in Johannesburg. He made the announcement while hosting European Union leaders at the Sandton Convention Centre.
Ramaphosa welcomed the decision and said it was a positive sign because boycott politics never works.
The shift comes a day after President Donald Trump warned South Africa against handing over the G20 Social Declaration to leaders this weekend. The warning raised questions about Washingtons stance on South Africas people centred agenda.