Donald Trump stated that South Africa would not be invited to the 2026 G20 Summit in Miami, citing a diplomatic dispute. In response, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa categorically rejected this decision , asserting that his country would maintain its full participation in the forum.

🚫 Unilateral Decision and Suspension of Aid

US President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday the exclusion of South Africa from the 2026 G20 and simultaneously ordered the suspension of all US aid and subsidies to the country.

According to Trump's explanation, this measure would be a response to the alleged refusal of the South African government to transfer the G20 presidency to an American representative after the Johannesburg summit, which the United States did not attend.

President Trump also justified his decision by citing allegations of persecution and dispossession of white Afrikaner farmers in South Africa. It is important to note that these accusations are strongly denied by Pretoria and several international observers.

🗣️ Ramaphosa's Response: "Fake News"

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa described Trump's statements as "regrettable" and "based on false information" .

President Ramaphosa was keen to clarify that the symbolic instruments of the G20 presidency had indeed been handed over to an American official at the South African Ministry of International Relations, despite the absence of American delegates at the summit.

Ramaphosa reiterated emphatically that South Africa will continue to play an active role within the G20 and to defend the principles of multilateralism.

🌍 Post-Johannesburg Context

The Johannesburg Summit, the first G20 held on the African continent, was widely praised for its success. However, the United States refused to sign the final declaration , expressing major disagreements on key issues such as climate and development.

Despite this official withdrawal, it should be noted that several American companies and organizations had participated in the G20 side events in South Africa, such as the B20 (Business 20) or the G20 Social.