Former US President Donald Trump announced on November 27, 2025, that South Africa will be excluded from the 2026 G20 summit in Miami.
He cited alleged violent abuses against white Afrikaners and a diplomatic dispute during the closing ceremony of this year’s Johannesburg G20 summit, where South Africa declined to hand over the G20 presidency to a senior US Embassy official.
Pretoria strongly rejected these allegations, reaffirming its sovereignty and continued commitment to the G20. Trump also declared the immediate halt of all US payments and subsidies to South Africa as part of his decision.
Trump Blocks South Africa in G20
The controversy stems from Trump’s assertion that white Afrikaners and other descendants of European settlers in South Africa are being targeted with violence and land seizures, claims South Africa has dismissed as false.
“South Africa will NOT be receiving an invitation to the 2026 G20, which will be hosted in Miami, Florida. South Africa has shown they are not worthy of membership anywhere, and we are stopping all payments and subsidies to them immediately,” Trump wrote on Truth app. He also notes that South Africa is “not a country worthy of membership anywhere in the world.”
Trump further explained that the decision to block South Africa followed a dispute during the Johannesburg summit, the first G20 held on African soil, over the ceremonial handover of the G20 presidency. South Africa refused to pass the symbolic wooden gavel to a junior US Embassy representative, leading Trump to accuse the country of disrespecting the United States.
Notably, the US did not send a delegation to Johannesburg, boycotted the final declaration mainly due to disagreements over climate and developing nations’ priorities, but began its G20 presidency on schedule after the event.
South Africa’s Rejection
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa called Trump’s statement regrettable and highlighted the success and global praise of the 2025 Johannesburg summit. He maintained that the G20 presidency was properly handed over and emphasised South Africa’s continued commitment to cooperation and consensus within the G20.
Government officials criticised Trump’s allegations as misinformation and reaffirmed the country’s sovereignty and equal participation rights in global forums. They also noted the active involvement of US businesses and civil society groups in G20-related events throughout the summit period.
G20 Summit 2025
The 2025 G20 summit was held in Johannesburg, South Africa, marking the first time the event took place on the African continent. It ran on November 22-23, with the theme “Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability,” which emphasised cooperation among diverse economies, fair opportunities, and sustainable development.
South Africa used its presidency to focus on critical global issues such as disaster resilience, debt sustainability, energy transition finance, food security, artificial intelligence, and reforming global financial institutions to benefit developing countries. President Cyril Ramaphosa highlighted Africa’s development as a key priority during the summit.
The United States, under President Donald Trump, chose not to attend the 2025 Johannesburg summit. Trump cited concerns about alleged violent targeting of white Afrikaners in South Africa, claims widely dismissed by South African officials.
India in G20 Summit 2025 and Modi’s Remarks
India actively participated in the 2025 Johannesburg G20 Summit, marking Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 12th appearance at the forum since 2014.
Modi emphasized collective action on climate change, food security, and sustainable development in line with India’s “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” philosophy, meaning “the world is one family.” He highlighted the Deccan Principles on Food Security adopted during India’s 2023 G20 presidency and encouraged greater cooperation with the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI).
Modi also engaged in bilateral talks, strengthening relationships with global leaders to advance shared development priorities and support for the Global South.
India-South Africa Relations
India and South Africa share a strong partnership rooted in history and common goals within multilateral forums. Both nations are active members of the India-Brazil-South Africa (IBSA) dialogue forum and advocate for inclusive global governance.
South Africa’s hosting of the 2025 G20 Summit on African soil provided an opportunity to deepen cooperation with India on issues such as debt sustainability, climate finance, and sustainable energy. The two countries continue to collaborate closely, advancing Africa’s interests in global economic discussions and strengthening their strategic ties.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
This episode illustrates the delicate balance required in diplomatic relations when cultural, political, and historical sensitivities emerge.
It also underscores the importance of respecting national sovereignty while addressing human rights concerns through open dialogue rather than punitive actions. The Logical Indian encourages fostering empathy, cooperation, and constructive communication to resolve such tensions.
News in Q&A
- Who is involved in this dispute, and what are the core issues?
The dispute involves former US President Donald Trump and the South African government. Trump’s actions are rooted in his allegations of violent abuses against white Afrikaners in South Africa and a diplomatic clash at the Johannesburg G20 summit’s closing ceremony over the G20 presidency handover. - When and where did these events occur?
The Johannesburg G20 summit took place on November 22–23, 2025, in South Africa, the first time the G20 was held on the African continent. Trump’s announcement excluding South Africa from the 2026 G20 in Miami was made on November 27, 2025. - Why did Trump exclude South Africa from the next G20 summit and cut financial support?
Trump cited concerns about the safety of white Afrikaners, alleging violent targeting and land seizures—a claim South Africa refutes. Additionally, Trump reacted to what he saw as disrespect when South Africa refused to hand the G20 presidency symbol to a senior US Embassy official, combined with objections to parts of the Johannesburg summit’s climate and development agenda. - How has South Africa responded to these allegations and actions?
South African leaders and officials have dismissed Trump’s claims as baseless and emphasised respect for the country’s sovereignty. They expressed regret over the diplomatic fallout while reiterating their commitment to the global G20 process and cooperation with the international community. - What are the broader diplomatic implications of this dispute?
The incident highlights increasing geopolitical tensions and the challenges in balancing sovereign rights, minority protections, and diplomatic protocols within global forums like the G20. It also raises questions about the impact of national domestic issues on international diplomacy and multilateral engagement.
