South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa reacted to U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement that South Africa would not be invited to the upcoming G20 summit in Florida, calling the decision “regrettable.” Trump indicated that South Africa’s refusal to transfer the G20 presidency to a U.S. embassy representative at last week’s summit in Johannesburg prompted this decision.
In a social media statement, Trump stated that his directive excludes South Africa from the 2026 G20 summit, scheduled to take place in Miami. While G20 members typically do not require an invitation to attend, they could potentially face restrictions related to visas.
South Africa’s presidential spokesman, Vincent Magwenya, acknowledged the strained relations, suggesting that political leaders should realize there may not be a reset in the bilateral relationship. He indicated that if visas are denied, South Africa may need to explore partnerships beyond the 2026 G20 summit in the U.S. Meanwhile, officials are working with other G20 members to maintain the momentum from discussions held in Johannesburg.
President Trump did not attend the summit in Johannesburg, citing claims about the treatment of South Africa’s white minority, which have been widely criticized and discredited. Ramaphosa noted that despite the absence of the U.S. delegation, some American businesses and civil society representatives participated in the summit. The official handover of the G20 presidency to a U.S. embassy official took place at South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation, which may have further upset Trump, as he has publicly criticized South Africa’s policies.
The South African government has consistently dismissed claims of widespread violence against the white minority as unfounded. Ramaphosa expressed concern that Trump’s punitive measures against South Africa are based on misinformation. In addition, Trump announced a suspension of financial payments and subsidies to South Africa, asserting that the country has not proven itself worthy of membership in international forums.
The recent G20 summit in Johannesburg concluded with a commitment to multilateral cooperation, addressing issues like climate change and economic inequality, despite some objections from the U.S. regarding South Africa’s leadership role.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cq8dq47j5y8o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss