South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has dismissed US President Donald Trump’s announcement that he will boycott the upcoming G20 leaders’ summit in Johannesburg, saying “boycott politics doesn’t work” and insisting the meeting will proceed successfully without Washington.
Speaking outside parliament last week, Ramaphosa told reporters that the US’s “absence is their loss,” according to AFP. His remarks follow Trump’s declaration that no US government official would attend the 22–23 November summit, citing widely discredited claims that white South Africans—specifically Afrikaners—are facing persecution, killings, and illegal land seizures.
Trump described South Africa hosting the G20 as a “total disgrace,” insisting the country should not be part of the bloc. He had earlier said he would send Vice-President JD Vance in his place, before later announcing that “no US official” would participate unless the alleged “human rights abuses” stop.
Over last weekend, Trump doubled down on his claims, alleging that “Afrikaners are being killed and slaughtered, and their land and farms are being illegally confiscated.” The assertions mirror earlier statements he has made in the past, including suggesting that while he seeks to limit refugee admissions to the US, Afrikaners would be welcome.
Despite Washington’s withdrawal, Ramaphosa said preparations for the G20 are on track and affirmed that the summit will continue with full participation from other member states.
