President Cyril Ramaphosa on Thursday rejected U.S. President Donald Trump claim that South Africa would be excluded from the 2026 G20 summit, calling the statement regrettable and based on misinformation.
Trump cited South Africa handling of farm attacks targeting white farmers—which he termed killings and land seizures—and its alleged refusal to hand over G20 presidency symbols after a U.S. boycott of the Johannesburg summit in November.
Ramaphosa countered that the symbols were smoothly transferred to a U.S. embassy official and emphasised South Africa status as a permanent G20 founding member since 1999.
South African officials clarified that G20 participation is not invitation-based. The dispute coincides with a U.S. aid freeze affecting health programmes, while Germany and diplomats urged unity to preserve the group cohesion.
The 2025 G20 summit hosted by South Africa was widely praised for producing a declaration affirming multilateralism.
Despite the U.S. government absence, American businesses and civil society groups participated in associated forums.
Ramaphosa lamented Trump punitive measures amid efforts to reset bilateral ties, stressing South Africa sovereignty and commitment to consensus-based G20 engagement.
Separately, AfriForum Chief Executive Officer, Kallie Kriel blamed Department of International Relations and Cooperation Minister, Ronald Lamola for exacerbating tensions by accusing Trump of promoting white supremacy, adding that ties with Iran contributed to the fallout.
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