Story by ZBC Reporter
SOUTH Africa President, Cyril Ramaphosa has criticised remarks by United States President Donald Trump questioning South Africa’s legitimacy and participation in next year’s G20 meetings, describing the comments as “regrettable” and based on misinformation.
In a statement by the SA Presidency on Thursday, President Ramaphosa said South Africa remained a full and active member of the G20 in its own name and right, adding that its membership was endorsed by all member states.
The response follows comments by Mr Trump alleging that South Africa should not participate in future G20 engagements. The Presidency dismissed the claims, highlighting that the United States voluntarily chose not to attend the 2025 G20 Leaders’ Summit held in Johannesburg.
“The G20 South Africa 2025 Leaders’ Summit attended by several Heads of State and Goverment, was hailed by all those who attended the summit as one of the most successful summits. The summit produced a declaration that affirmed the indisputable strength and value of multilateralism in response to the most pressing challenges facing the world,” he said.
Since the US administration declined to participate in the Johannesburg meeting, South Africa formally transferred G20 presidency instruments to an American embassy official at the Department of International Relations and Cooperation headquarters.
“The United States was expected to participate in all the meetings of the G20 during South Africa’s Presidency but unfortunately, it elected not to attend the G20 Leaders Summit in Johannesburg out of its own volition. As the United States was not present at the summit, instruments of the G20 Presidency were duly handed over to a US Embassy official at the Headquarters of South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation,” President Ramaphosa said.
The South African government also expressed disappointment that President Trump’s stance comes despite efforts to rebuild relations with Washington.
“It is regrettable that despite the efforts and numerous attempts by President Ramaphosa and his administration to reset the diplomatic relationship with the US, President Trump continues to apply punitive measures against South Africa based on misinformation and distortions about our country,” he added.
President Ramaphosa emphasised that South Africa values consensus-driven global cooperation, adding that Washington had been expected to attend all G20 engagements during Pretoria’s presidency.
“As one of the founding members of the G20, South Africa has always valued the spirit of consensus, collaboration and partnership that defines the G20 as the premier forum for international economic cooperation. South Africa is a member of the G20 in its own name and right. Its G20 membership is at the behest of all other members. South Africa is a sovereign constitutional democratic country and does not appreciate insults from another country about its membership and worth in participating in global platforms. South Africa respects the sovereignty of all countries and will never insult or demean another country or its standing and worthiness in the community of nations,” he said.
The 2026 leaders’ meeting of the G20 will be held in Florida.
