'Won't Appreciate Insults': South Africa Expresses Regret As Trump Bars It From 2026 G20 Summit

Last Updated:November 27, 2025, 08:58 IST

Ramaphosa's statement came after Trump criticised the South African government over what he described as "horrific Human Rights abuses".

Donald Trump with South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa (Image: AP Photo)

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Thursday expressed his disappointment over US President Donald Trump’s statement over South Africa’s participation in the 2026 G20 meetings. Pointing towards Trump’s remarks, South Africa clearly stated that the country will not appreciate insults from another country and asserted that it will “continue to participate as a full, active and constructive member of the G20".

Ramaphosa’s statement came after Trump sharply criticised the South African government over what he described as “horrific Human Rights abuses", and stated that the country will not be invited to the 2026 G20 Summit in Miami.

The US boycotted the recently held 2025 G20 Summit in South Africa amid unfounded accusations that the government there is committing genocide against White South Africans. The G20 summit of this year in Johannesburg — the first to be hosted in Africa — therefore, went ahead without the United States.

Ramaphosa On US’ Absence From G20 Summit

Pointing towards the US’ decision to not participate in the summit, the South African President said that the G20 South Africa 2025 Leaders’ Summit attended by several Heads of State and government, was hailed by all those who attended the summit as one of the most successful summits. “The summit produced a declaration that affirmed the indisputable strength and value of multilateralism in response to the most pressing challenges facing the world," Ramaphosa was quoted in the statement issued by his office. 

As the United States was not present at the summit, instruments of the G20 Presidency were duly handed over to a US Embassy official at the Headquarters of South Africa’s Department of Relations and Cooperation, the statement added.

“As one of the founding members of the G20, South Africa has always valued the spirit of consensus, collaboration and partnership that defines the G20 as the premier forum for international economic cooperation. In keeping with this approach, the United States was expected to participate in all the meetings of the G20 during South Africa’s Presidency but unfortunately, it elected not to attend the G20 Leaders Summit in Johannesburg out of its own volition."

The office of the President further stated that South Africa is a member of the G20 in its own name and right. It further pointed towards the US President’s statement and stated that the country does not appreciate insults from another country about its membership and worth in participating in global platforms.

“South Africa respects the sovereignty of all countries and will never insult or demean another country or its standing and worthiness in the community of nations. South Africa will continue to participate as a full, active and constructive member of the G20. We call on members of the G20 to reaffirm its continued operation in the spirit of multilateralism, based on consensus, with all members participating on an equal footing in all of its structures," President Ramaphosa’s Office added.

The statement further condemned Trump’s statement, saying, “It is regrettable that despite the efforts and numerous attempts by President Ramaphosa and his administration to reset the diplomatic relationship with the US, President Trump continues to apply punitive measures against South Africa based on misinformation and distortions about our country."

What Did Trump Say?

US President Donald Trump on Thursday barred South Africa from the 2026 G20 Summit over “white genocide" claims. In a post on his social media, Trump wrote, “The United States did not attend the G20 in South Africa because the South African Government refuses to acknowledge or address the horrific Human rights abuses endured by Afrikaners and other descendants of Dutch, French, and German settlers."

“To put it more bluntly, they are killing white people and randomly allowing their farms to be taken from them," he added.

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