South Africa has moved to settle mounting speculation around its future role in the G20, with President Cyril Ramaphosa confirming that the country will continue participating as a full member despite vocal criticism from US President Donald Trump.
The reassurance follows a turbulent week in global diplomacy and comes shortly after South Africa wrapped up its year-long presidency of the forum.
In a televised address last night, Ramaphosa emphasised that South Africa’s position in the group has never been up for negotiation.
Ramaphosa made it clear that South Africa’s standing in the G20 is rooted in history, stating: ‘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. We will continue to participate as a full, active, and constructive member.’
The president also addressed the basis for Washington’s objections, which stem from claims made by Trump alleging genocide against white Afrikaners and state-driven property seizures.
As noted by Moneyweb’s reporting, local crime statistics contradict these assertions, showing that the majority of daily murder victims in South Africa are black citizens. While unlawful land occupations do occur, there has been no instance of the state seizing land.
Ramaphosa described the US boycott of the summit as ‘regrettable,’ but stressed that ‘South Africa remains a firm and an unwavering friend of the American people.’
Even with the tensions, South Africa secured early agreement on a joint G20 declaration. The document covers a range of priorities, including global debt reform, climate finance and a renewed call for multilateral cooperation.
Trump had previously warned against adopting the declaration. Nevertheless, the statement went forward, and the United States is set to assume the next presidency of the bloc today, 1 December.
Trump has indicated that the 2026 summit at the National Doral Golf Club in Miami would not include South Africa, adding that he may cut US aid to the country.
Long before the current dispute escalated, Pretoria had anticipated possible exclusion. Earlier this year, Ramaphosa assembled a high-profile panel, made up of business leaders, actors and the national rugby captain, to help steer discussions on South Africa’s longer-term development path.
The initiative, expected to cost around R740 million, seeks to chart a clear strategy for growth amid political and economic pressure.
Calling for unity, Ramaphosa appealed directly to those fuelling misinformation about the country.
‘We must never allow others to try to redefine our country and cause divisions amongst us, or dictate who we are as a nation,’ he stated.
Compiled by Lulama Klassen
First published on Cape {town} etc
Also see: G20 without the US: Ramaphosa calls for debt relief, equality
