PRESIDENT Cyril Ramaphosa has delivered a defiant response to threats from US President Donald Trump to exclude South Africa from the G20, calling allegations of genocide against Afrikaners “baseless and false” and “blatant misinformation” about the country.
In a national address on Sunday evening, Ramaphosa reflected on the first G20 Leaders Summit on African soil, one which the United States boycotted. He also spoke on Trump’s declaration that South Africa would not be invited to participate in next year’s G20 in the United States.
“We must make it clear that South Africa is one of the founding members of the G20 and South Africa is therefore a member of the G20 in its own name and right,” Ramaphosa said. “We will continue to participate as a full, active and constructive member of the G20.”
The President accused groups and individuals within SA of waging a sustained disinformation campaign that has influenced the US administration’s stance.
“These people who are spreading disinformation are endangering and undermining South Africa’s national interests, destroying South African jobs and weakening our country’s relations with one of our most important partners,” he said.
Trump’s claims centre on allegations of genocide against Afrikaners and confiscation of land from white people, which Ramaphosa flatly rejected.
“It is even more unfortunate that the reasons the US gave for its non-participation were based on baseless and false allegations that South Africa is perpetrating genocide against Afrikaners and the confiscation of land from white people,” the president said.
Despite the diplomatic clash, Ramaphosa emphasised South Africa’s commitment to maintaining relations with the United States.
“Despite the challenges and misunderstandings that have arisen, South Africa remains a firm and unwavering friend of the American people,” he said. “We recall the great solidarity movement in the United States that stood by our side in our struggle for democracy and freedom.”
He added: “We affirm our commitment to continue to engage in dialogue with the United States government, and to do so with respect and with dignity as equal sovereign countries.”
Historic G20 Achievement
The diplomatic controversy came as Ramaphosa reflected on what he described as a successful hosting of the first G20 Summit ever held on African soil, which concluded a week ago.
“This was the first time the G20 Summit was held on African soil,” Ramaphosa said. “We are humbled to have been that one country on the African continent to host the summit and represent the 1.4 billion people who live on our continent.”
The president thanked South Africans for their hospitality and patience during the year-long process that saw the country host tens of thousands of delegates in more than 130 meetings across the country.
International praise for South Africa’s hosting was effusive. Ramaphosa quoted delegates and observers who commented on the warmth and ubuntu spirit displayed by South Africans.
“We came to discuss economic frameworks. But what we’ll remember is how your people made us feel. That’s not so
