South Africa has moved to shut down speculation about its future role in the G20, with President Cyril Ramaphosa making it clear that the country will remain involved in the group regardless of political friction with Washington.
Speaking to the nation on Sunday, November 30, Ramaphosa addressed the fallout from last week’s G20 leaders’ summit, which South Africa hosted and which the United States chose not to attend. The absence followed statements by US President Donald Trump suggesting that South Africa would be excluded from G20 meetings next year when the US takes over the rotating presidency.
Ramaphosa dismissed those claims outright, stressing that South Africa’s position within the G20 does not depend on invitations from any single member. He underlined that South Africa was among the original participants when the forum was established and therefore holds membership by right, not by discretion.
According to the president, comments made by Trump—including allegations of genocide against Afrikaners and claims of land seizures targeting white citizens—are false and deeply misleading. He said such narratives have no basis in reality and distort the country’s political and social conditions.
The South African leader described the US decision to skip the summit as unfortunate, arguing that it stemmed from sustained misinformation rather than genuine diplomatic concerns. Trump had previously justified the boycott by repeating claims of “white genocide,” which Pretoria has consistently rejected.
Ramaphosa went further, warning that coordinated disinformation campaigns—originating both domestically and abroad—pose tangible risks to South Africa’s national interests. He said these efforts damage investor confidence, threaten employment, and strain relations with strategic partners, including the United States.
Despite the tensions, Ramaphosa confirmed that South Africa has formally handed over the G20 presidency to Washington and emphasized that Pretoria remains committed to maintaining open communication with US officials. He framed dialogue, rather than confrontation, as essential for preserving long-term cooperation between the two countries.
The United States is set to formally assume the G20 presidency on December 1, with South Africa insisting it will continue to engage actively within the forum as a full member.
