South Africa rejects G20 exclusion

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Sunday dismissed U.S. President Donald Trump’s threat to exclude Pretoria from next year’s G20 summit, calling the remarks “baseless” and reaffirming the country’s status as a founding member of the group.

“South Africa will remain a full, active and constructive member of the G20,” Ramaphosa said. Trump had repeated allegations that the country was committing “genocide against Afrikaners” and confiscating land from white citizens – claims Ramaphosa described as “blatant misinformation.”

Earlier this month, South Africa concluded the G20 summit under its presidency. Pretoria had invited 16 guest nations, including several African states, regional economic blocs, and financial institutions, to broaden participation in global economic governance.

While most G20 members attended meetings throughout the year, the United States skipped the leaders’ summit and final preparatory sessions, citing the same allegations Trump reiterated this week.

Despite the diplomatic tensions, South Africa formally handed over the presidency to the United States for 2026. Ramaphosa noted that U.S. businesses and civil society groups had actively participated in G20-related events such as the Business 20 and Social Summit.

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