President Ramaphosa says South Africa, as a founding G20 member, “cannot be removed from the platform,” dismissing Washington’s accusations as a dangerous disinformation campaign.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has rejected U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement that Pretoria will not be invited to the 2026 G20 Leaders’ Summit, which is planned to take place in Miami, Florida. Speaking in a televised address, Ramaphosa stressed that South Africa is a founding member of the G20 and therefore cannot be sidelined from the platform.

“It is impossible for our country to be removed from this forum,” Ramaphosa said. “South Africa will continue to be a full, active and constructive participant in the G20.”

The South African leader noted that numerous American companies and civil society representatives attended G20-related events held in Johannesburg last month, demonstrating that cooperation between the two countries remains ongoing. Pretoria, Ramaphosa added, seeks dialogue with Washington “on the basis of equal sovereignty and mutual respect.”

Ramaphosa strongly rejected accusations from the U.S. administration claiming that the South African government is carrying out “genocide against the white minority” or seizing land from white citizens. He described these allegations as “completely baseless”, calling them part of a dangerous disinformation campaign promoted by certain groups inside and outside the country.

According to Ramaphosa, these narratives harm South Africa’s national interests and needlessly strain relations with important partners such as the United States.

The U.S. boycotted the November 22–23 G20 Summit held in Johannesburg, with Trump repeating long-discredited claims that the majority-Black South African government discriminates against white citizens. Last week, Trump declared that Pretoria would not be invited to the 2026 G20 Summit, which his administration plans to host at a Trump family–owned golf resort in Miami.

Trump’s announcement triggered reactions across the global stage. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz criticized Washington’s stance, saying it “unnecessarily weakens U.S. influence in Africa.” Merz also stated that he would meet Trump before the December 2026 summit to urge him to reverse the decision, adding: “The G20 is one of the most important platforms of multilateral diplomacy and should not be arbitrarily restricted.”

The G20 brings together 19 major economies along with the European Union and the African Union, representing over 80% of the global economy. It includes major powers such as the United States, China, Germany, the United Kingdom and Russia, and plays a key role in shaping international economic governance. (ILKHA)