South Africa's commitment to the G20 despite US withdrawal

President Cyril Ramaphosa has said South Africa will continue to participate fully and remain an active and constructive member of the G20, despite the US's announcement that the country will not be invited to the 2026 summit in Miami. 

Ramaphosa made this declaration during a national address concerning the recent G20 summit held in South Africa, following Trump's announcement on Wednesday via social media.

He also added that the US will stop all payments and subsidies with immediate effect. 

His remarks followed South Africa’s refusal to symbolically pass the G20 presidency to a senior US Embassy representative at the close of this year’s summit in Johannesburg.

He also added that the US did not attend the G20 in South Africa because the South African government refused to acknowledge or address what he called “the horrific human rights abuses” endured by Afrikaners, and other descendants of Dutch, French and German settlers. 

“It is regrettable that the US, which is a founding member of the G20 and which takes over the Presidency of the G20 from South Africa in 2026, chose not to participate in the G20 Leaders’ Summit and the final meetings leading up to it.

It is even more unfortunate that the reasons the US gave for its non-participation were based on baseless and false allegations that South Africa is perpetrating genocide against Afrikaners and the confiscation of land from white people,” said Ramaphosa, adding that this is blatant misinformation about “our” country.

Ramaphosa said the country was pleased that many organisations, businesses and individuals from the US participated in large numbers in G20-related activities, such as the Business 20 Summit and the G20 Social Summit.

He said their constructive and enthusiastic participation was valued.

“Earlier this week, we formally handed over the G20 Presidency for 2026 to the US, observing the appropriate diplomatic protocols. A few days ago, President Donald Trump made a statement to the effect that South Africa would not be invited to participate in the G20 in the United States. He repeated untrue statements about genocide against Afrikaners and the confiscation of land from white people in our country,” he said.

Ramaphosa added that South Africa is one of the founding members of the G20 and South Africa is therefore a member of the G20 in its own name and right, adding that the country will continue to participate as a full, active and constructive member of the G20.

“Despite the challenges and misunderstandings that have arisen, South Africa remains a firm and unwavering friend of the American people. We recall the great solidarity movement in the United States that stood by our side in our struggle for democracy and freedom. We recall how the Bill of Rights in the US Constitution inspired us as we wrote our democratic constitution. We offer the people of the United States nothing but goodwill and friendship," he said.

However, Ramaphosa said South Africa will continue to engage in dialogue with the US government, and to do so with respect and with dignity as equal sovereign countries.

“We value the United States government and its people as a partner. We have common interests, common values and a shared wish to advance the prosperity and well-being of the people of both our countries," he said.