President Ramaphosa affirms South Africa's G20 membership amidst US tensions

PRESIDENT Cyril Ramaphosa has made it clear that South Africa will not call on other nations to boycott next year’s G20 Leaders’ Summit in Miami, despite reports suggesting the United States intends to exclude the country from the gathering.

“The United States has said that South Africa will not be invited. We have not seen that in writing yet. We've only seen media reports. We are yet to receive anything formally, and we will deal with that when it comes,” Ramaphosa told journalists on Thursday at Cosatu’s Golf Day, held at Johannesburg Golf Club.

The president emphasized that South Africa remains a full member of the G20. “We have held a very successful G20. And this is not only being said by us - it is said by many other people around the world. They are saying South Africa’s presidency of the G20 was a very successful process. The declaration that was adopted is a forward-looking declaration that will help drive many of the changes we identified.”

“As South Africans, we can say confidently that we held a successful G20. What happens going forward is something we will deal with.”

Asked whether US President Donald Trump’s stance was keeping him awake at night, Ramaphosa dismissed the idea. “No, I don’t have sleepless nights. All we want, really, as South Africa, is to be treated as an equal, sovereign country. A country that respects other countries, that fosters their success and prosperity. We wish no country ill. We do not have enemies - we have friends.”

Ramaphosa added that South Africa’s foreign policy is firmly rooted in respect. “We will always treat every country with due regard, respect and great consideration. That is who we are, and that is very much a part of our foreign policy.”

Switching to internal party matters, Ramaphosa expressed confidence ahead of the ANC’s National General Council, scheduled for December 8–12. This comes amid reports of an alleged plot by some ANC NEC members to remove him as party president—claims denied by Deputy Minister of Communication Mondli Gungubele and Deputy Health Minister Dr Joe Phaahla.

Pressed again on whether South Africa would encourage countries to boycott the Miami summit, Ramaphosa was firm in his response. “No, no, we don't need to mobilise anyone. We’re not wired that way as South Africa. Every country must make its own decisions. We don’t peddle our role in any way. Countries respect us for what we are, and they applauded our role in the G20.”

The United States has formally taken over the 2026 G20 presidency, pledging to “return the G20 to focusing on its core mission of driving economic growth and prosperity.” Washington’s agenda will prioritize cutting regulatory burdens, securing energy supply chains, and advancing technological innovation.

This transition follows heightened diplomatic tensions between the US and South Africa. At the 2025 summit in Johannesburg, South Africa refused to hand over the G20 leadership to a junior US diplomat, insisting the transfer be made only to a head of state, minister, or senior envoy. The handover was later completed quietly at the Department of International Relations and Cooperation in Pretoria.

Despite limited US representation, the Johannesburg summit went ahead under South Africa’s chosen theme of solidarity, equality, and sustainability.

Trump has repeatedly claimed that South Africa will not be invited to the 2026 summit, citing allegations of “white genocide,” land expropriation, and attacks on white farmers. The South African government has consistently and strongly rejected these claims.

SUNDAY TRIBUNE