Amanze Chinonye
South Africa has downplayed U.S. President Donald Trump’s renewed call for its removal from the Group of 20 (G20), insisting that preparations for the leaders’ summit in Johannesburg later this month remain on course despite rising diplomatic tensions with Washington, Prime Business Africa reports.
Trump, speaking at a conference in Miami on Wednesday, claimed South Africa “shouldn’t even be in the Gs anymore,” arguing that the country had “gone bad” and no longer deserved a seat at the table of major global economies.
He also confirmed he will not attend the Nov. 22–23 summit, naming Vice President JD Vance to represent the United States.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThe remarks are the latest in a series of criticisms Trump has levelled at Pretoria in recent months, including repeated and widely debunked claims that South Africa’s white minority faces state-sanctioned persecution and land seizures.
Pretoria Unmoved as Friction Deepens
Although the South African government declined to issue a detailed statement on Trump’s latest comments, officials privately indicated that the country would not be drawn into an extended public confrontation.
Last week, Pretoria criticised Washington’s decision to prioritise refugee applications from white South African Afrikaners under an executive order Trump signed in February. The directive accused South Africa of “unjust racial discrimination” and instructed U.S. agencies to facilitate the relocation of affected groups while cutting aid to Pretoria.
South Africa dismissed the order, saying it rested on “a premise that is factually inaccurate.”
Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya, speaking earlier on the growing tensions, said that South Africa was “fully prepared to deliver a productive G20 summit that reflects the priorities of both developed and developing economies,” adding that the host government would not be distracted by political debates in the U.S.
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G20 And Nigeria’s Search For Respect
The United States is scheduled to assume the G20 presidency immediately after South Africa’s term concludes later this year a transition made more sensitive by the diplomatic rift. Trump’s refusal to attend the Johannesburg meeting marks a rare instance of a sitting U.S. president skipping a G20 summit.
Trump has argued that South Africa’s land-reform policy, including provisions allowing land confiscation without compensation in specific cases, constitutes a human rights violation. He has claimed that “genocide” and “land theft” are occurring assertions that Pretoria, independent observers and rights organisations say are exaggerated or false.
A meeting between Trump and President Cyril Ramaphosa at the White House in May attended by a racially diverse South African delegation became strained after Trump repeated allegations that white farmers were being “murdered,” overshadowing the talks.
In August, Washington imposed a 30% tariff on South African exports, the highest rate applied to any sub-Saharan African country this year, further escalating tensions.
How South Africa Became Africa’s Voice in the G20
South Africa has been a G20 member since the organisation’s creation in 1999, after the Asian financial crisis prompted calls for a more inclusive global economic forum.
Canada and the United States were instrumental in supporting its membership to ensure Africa had a voice in global economic decision-making. Then–U.S. President Bill Clinton and Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chrétien championed the inclusion of South Africa alongside other emerging economies such as India, Brazil, China and Mexico.
South Africa’s position as Africa’s most industrialised economy and a leading diplomatic actor strengthened its eligibility.
No Mechanism Exists for Expulsion
Despite Trump’s push for South Africa’s removal, the G20 is not a treaty-based organisation and lacks a legal framework for expelling a member. The forum operates on consensus, meaning no country can be unilaterally removed.
Summit Preparations Continue
Pretoria says preparations for the Johannesburg summit are in their final stages. Leaders from across the G20 including the European Union and African Union are expected to meet to discuss global economic stability, investment flows, debt, and development priorities for both advanced and emerging economies.
For now, South Africa maintains that its focus remains on hosting a successful and inclusive summit, even as it navigates one of the sharpest diplomatic confrontations with Washington in recent years.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
