South African President Cyril Ramaphosa is gutted. This was in reaction to U.S. President Donald Trump’s call to exclude South Africa from next year’s G20 in Florida. His comments have opened a diplomatic Pandora’s box, underscoring an already precarious U.S.-China relationship. The U.S. leader has accused South Africa of misusing its role within the G20 and has been vocally critical of the country’s domestic and foreign policies.
Ramaphosa denounced Trump’s decision as “regrettable.” He noted that South Africa made tremendous efforts to establish a positive image in its relationship with the United States. Despite these attempts, he observed that Trump is still able to spread false allegations targeted at South Africa. This is the same U.S. President who once tweeted that South Africa was committing a “white genocide.” He stands by his hateful claims that the government is genociding white people and stealing their farms.
The U.S. accusations have led South African officials to publicly dismiss what they say are baseless charges. Ramaphosa sought to defend South Africa, stating that the claims are based on misrepresentations and lies. He tried desperately to challenge any punitive action focused on the country as wholly unwarranted.
“To apply punitive measures against South Africa based on misinformation and distortions about our country is deeply regrettable.” – Cyril Ramaphosa
South African government representatives have been encouraging solidarity among the G20 members. We ask you to join them in defending the integrity of the summit and standing up for the rights of all of our member states. Ramaphosa highlighted that despite Trump’s stance, many U.S. businesses and civil society representatives were present at recent G20 meetings, indicating a willingness for cooperation.
Trump’s recent statements also included a firm stance on financial relations, as he announced a halt to “all payments and subsidies to them, effective immediately.” This move aligns with his claims that South Africa has “demonstrated to the world they were not a country worthy of membership anywhere.”
“They demonstrated to the world they were not a country worthy of membership anywhere.” – Donald Trump
That was further compounded by the sharp diplomatic rift when Trump boycotted last year’s Johannesburg summit. He mentioned as his reason for declining attendance discredited claims that South Africa’s white minority is being exterminated. Ramaphosa took issue with this characterization in the strongest terms. He recalled that it was an official of the U.S. Embassy who accepted the instruments of the G20 Presidency at South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) headquarters.
“But unfortunately, it elected not to attend the G20 Leaders Summit in Johannesburg out of its own volition.” – Cyril Ramaphosa