President Cyril Ramaphosa has condemned US President Donald Trump’s decision to bar South Africa from the 2026 G20 Summit, describing the move as “regrettable” and based on “blatant misinformation.”
Addressing the nation on Sunday night, Ramaphosa rejected Trump’s repeated claims that South Africa is committing genocide against Afrikaners and confiscating land from white citizens.
He said such allegations were false and part of a wider disinformation campaign aimed at undermining the country’s international standing.
“It is even more unfortunate that the reasons the US gave for its non participation were based on baseless and false allegations,” Ramaphosa said.
“This is blatant misinformation about our country.”
Trump announced last week that South Africa would not be invited to the G20 programmes, including the leaders’ summit scheduled for Miami in 2026.
He cited alleged human rights violations and unfair treatment of Afrikaners as justification.
The announcement drew criticism from several countries, including South Africa’s European allies, who defended its status as a founding member of the G20.
Ramaphosa emphasised that South Africa would continue to participate as a “full, active and constructive member” of the group, noting that the country had formally handed over the G20 presidency to the US last week in line with diplomatic protocol.
Despite the dispute, Ramaphosa stressed South Africa’s commitment to maintaining relations with Washington.
“We affirm our commitment to continue to engage in dialogue with the US government and to do so with respect and dignity. As equal sovereign countries, we value the US government and its people as a partner,” he said.
The president also warned that disinformation campaigns were damaging South Africa’s economy and weakening ties with one of its most important partners.
He urged those spreading falsehoods to engage constructively in the country’s newly established national dialogue process.
JN/APA