South Africa finds itself at the center of two significant international developments this week, facing a diplomatic boycott from the United States while simultaneously stepping into a key regional leadership position.
The White House has announced that no U.S. officials will attend the upcoming G20 leaders’ summit, which South Africa is hosting later this month. The decision comes directly from U.S. President Donald Trump, who called it a “total disgrace” that the meeting is being held in South Africa, citing the country’s treatment of white farmers.
In a series of posts on the Truth Social platform, President Trump claimed that “Afrikaners,” whom he described as descendants of Dutch, French, and German immigrants, are being “killed and slaughtered” and that their land and farms are being “illegally confiscated.”
In response, the South African Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) issued a statement rejecting the characterization. The department stated it had “noted the content” of Trump’s posts and challenged his assertions.
“DIRCO says the characterization of Afrikaners as an exclusively white group is ahistorical,” the statement read. It further added that “the claim that the Afrikaner community faces persecution is not substantiated by fact.”
Against this backdrop, the department affirmed that South Africa’s focus remains on its positive global contributions. The nation, it said, is “uniquely positioned to champion within the G20 a future of genuine solidarity where shared prosperity bridges deep inequalities” and is looking forward to hosting a successful summit.
President Trump, however, has doubled down on his criticism. In a report from New York, it was noted that the President suggested South Africa should not be in the G20 at all. He also expressed his anticipation for hosting the G20 in Miami next year, stating two days earlier that Miami had “long been a haven for those fleeing communist tyranny in South Africa,” in what appeared to be a geographical error conflating South Africa with South America.
While crime is a widely recognized problem affecting all race groups in South Africa, and any land acquisition must follow an established legal framework, President Trump has specifically honed in on attacks against Afrikaners.
South Africa Assumes SADC Chairmanship
In a separate but concurrent development, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has been appointed interim chair of the Southern African Development Community (SADC). The move came after the incumbent, Madagascar President Andry Rajoelina, fled his country following weeks of political protests.
During a virtual extraordinary SADC summit, President Ramaphosa addressed the bloc, stating, “From its inception, SADC has stood as a beacon of solidarity.” He emphasized that the organization’s values of “unity, peace, mutual benefit, and sovereign equality” are being tested.
“We are called upon to act with both urgency and foresight to stabilize the present while safeguarding the future,” Ramaphosa said.
Expert Analysis
Weighing in on these events, Wits University honorary professor of International Relations, Professor John Stremlau, shared his analysis. Regarding the U.S. boycott, Stremlau stated he was “not surprised,” citing President Trump’s “egregious” and consistent denigration of South Africa.
He praised President Ramaphosa’s “balanced” response to both the G20 situation and the SADC chairmanship. Stremlau suggested the boycott presents an opportunity for other G20 members to respond by downgrading their participation in the next summit, scheduled to be hosted by the U.S. in 2026.
“Well, it’s mischief, but it’s mischief that’s really regrettable and it’s also prejudicial. It’s racist,” Stremlau said of Trump’s position. He commended Ramaphosa for engaging with Americans to show that “South Africa is a responsible part power as opposed to the US right now.”
On the matter of other world leaders still attending the G20, Professor Stremlau saw it as “very important” and “more than symbolic,” demonstrating South Africa’s effort to bridge global divides.
Regarding South Africa’s new role as interim SADC chair, Stremlau viewed it as a “good example of leadership.” He called the political unrest in Madagascar a “setback for representative government” but expressed his approval that South Africa “stepped up” to lead the regional bloc during the crisis.
As it prepares to welcome the world’s economic powers, South Africa navigates a complex diplomatic landscape, simultaneously confronting a high-profile boycott and affirming its commitment to regional stability.