US President Donald Trump has agreed that the US will attend the upcoming G20 summit in Johannesburg, a key diplomatic breakthrough confirmed by President Cyril Ramaphosa following high-level talks in Washington.
The summit, scheduled for later this year, will mark a historic moment as South Africa hands over the presidency of the G20 to the United States.
“President Trump agreed that the US should continue playing a key role in the G20, including attending the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg later this year, where South Africa will hand over the presidency of the G20 to the US,” Cyril said in his weekly newsletter.
The announcement signals renewed momentum in the bilateral relationship between the two countries, with both leaders committing to deeper cooperation on economic and trade matters.
Cyril described the meeting in Washington as a “successful working visit” that laid the foundation for broader engagement, including a new economic cooperation channel to address trade tariffs and investment challenges.
Our successful working visit to the US reaffirmed the importance of keeping the channels of dialogue open. The willingness of the US to engage with South Africa on resetting our relationship is testament to the strength of the bilateral relationship.
? https://t.co/bG9ssd9H7D… pic.twitter.com/KCYZ1dFGVI
— Cyril Ramaphosa ?? (@CyrilRamaphosa) May 26, 2025
In preparation for the summit and future collaboration, South Africa has invited the US government and business leaders to explore local investment opportunities. Cyril said the US has shown willingness to engage constructively, describing it as “a testament to the strength of the bilateral relationship.”
South Africa, he added, is committed to addressing domestic issues such as crime and regulatory inefficiencies to ensure a more favourable investment climate.
“Our two countries have everything to gain from working more closely together,” said Cyril.
In April, Donald used his Truth Social platform to allege that South Africa was seizing land and carrying out acts of genocide.
“How could we be expected to go to South Africa for the very important G20 meeting when land confiscation and genocide are the primary topics of conversation?
“They are taking the land of white farmers and then killing them and their families. The media refuses to report on this.
“The US has held back all contributions to South Africa. Is this where we want to be for the G20? I don’t think so,” Donald said.
However, following Cyril’s warm and persuasive engagement during their highly anticipated meeting in the Oval Office, the US president shifted his stance.
First published by African Insider
Compiled by Betha Madhomu
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