South Africa Rejects Trump’s G20 Remarks, Stays the Course as Summit Host

Image: The Irish Star

South Africa has firmly dismissed recent remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump, who called for the country’s removal from the Group of 20 (G20) major economies, stating it “shouldn’t be in the Gs anymore.” Despite the criticism, Pretoria remains resolute in its preparations to host the upcoming G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg later this month.

Speaking at the American Business Forum in Miami, Trump announced he would not attend the summit, delegating Vice President JD Vance to represent the United States. His comments, which questioned South Africa’s economic standing and accused the government of mistreating its white minority, have reignited diplomatic tensions. These allegations have been repeatedly refuted by South African officials and independent observers.

Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya responded by affirming South Africa’s commitment to hosting a “successful and inclusive” summit. “The government of South Africa is fully prepared to deliver a productive G20 summit that reflects the priorities of both developed and developing economies,” he told the BBC.

South Africa has been a G20 member since the group’s founding in 1999, a move supported by the U.S. and Canada to ensure African representation. Its inclusion was based on its status as the continent’s most industrialized economy and its role as a key voice in global economic governance.

This year’s summit theme Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability underscores South Africa’s commitment to inclusive development and global cooperation. Foreign ministry spokesperson Chrispin Phiri highlighted the country’s post-apartheid journey as a foundation for promoting equitable growth and sustainability within the G20 framework.

Relations between Washington and Pretoria have been strained in recent months, particularly over South Africa’s land reform policies and the U.S. decision to prioritize refugee applications from white Afrikaners. South African officials have condemned these moves, citing a lack of credible evidence for claims of targeted violence and pointing to national crime data that contradicts such narratives.

President Cyril Ramaphosa’s visit to the White House in May aimed to ease tensions but yielded limited progress. The subsequent imposition of 30% tariffs on selected South African exports further complicated bilateral relations.

Despite these challenges, the G20 summit in Johannesburg is set to proceed as planned, bringing together leaders from the world’s largest economies, the European Union, and the African Union to address pressing global issues including growth, development, and sustainability.