South Africa said on Thursday that it was ready to wait through next year’s G20 after being blocked by the United States, and it did not expect any country to push for its return.

The United States took charge of the year-long G20 presidency this month after mostly staying away from South Africa’s term, including the November summit, which marked another step in its criticism of Pretoria.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Wednesday that South Africa would not be invited to the G20 during the US presidency. He repeated earlier accusations, including unfounded claims that the South African government willingly discriminated against the white Afrikaner minority.

Presidential spokesman Vincent Magwenya said that South Africa would stay out of the 2026 meetings and would come back when the G20 shifts to Britain the following year.

"For now, we will take a commercial break until we resume normal programming," Magwenya said on social media.

The G20 group brings together the world’s major economies along with the European Union and the African Union regional blocs. It represents 85 per cent of global GDP and two-thirds of the world’s people.

The Johannesburg summit, the first in Africa, witnessed the participation of many global leaders, including those from countries outside the G20. However, it was boycotted by US President Donald Trump.

President Cyril Ramaphosa’s spokesman said South Africa did not expect other members to boycott the US presidency or to campaign for South Africa’s return.

"In fact, it would be unhelpful if the entire year goes to waste and the G20 is collapsed," Magwenya said in an interview with the Sunday Times published late on Wednesday.

South Africa, however, expected that other members would "register their displeasure with the US in defence of multilateralism and the spirit and purpose of the G20," he said.

The Trump administration has criticised South Africa over several policies, expelled its ambassador in March and imposed 30 per cent trade tariffs, which South Africa is still trying to reverse.