South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has condemned the spread of misinformation about his country’s economy and politics, stressing that these distortions have negatively affected South Africa’s international image and affected areas such as employment and foreign policy. This position followed the decision of the United States government, under the administration of Donald Trump, not to include South Africa in the next G20 summit scheduled for 2026. As reported by Europa Press, Ramaphosa defended the country’s sovereignty and reaffirmed his commitment to continuing effective participation in the G20, despite the exclusion imposed by the White House.
In his speech from Pretoria, the President cited historical figures such as Nelson Mandela to support the defense of South Africa’s democratic model and defend against what he described as attempts by external agents to distort national decision-making. As Europe Press reported, Ramaphosa placed the debate on relations with the United States within a broader framework, emphasizing the nation’s independence and right to deliberate on its policies without imposing any foreign restrictions. The President stressed that the American decision to suspend South Africa’s invitation to participate in the multilateral forum was accompanied by amendments to economic aid and immigration policies that favor asylum seekers from South Africa.
Europe Press explained that the exclusion was based on complaints of alleged human rights violations of the Afrikaner minority and criticism of the land reform process led by the South African government. Washington linked these policies to the alleged violation of the rights of the white population, a situation that reduced economic cooperation and placed new restrictions on South Africa’s access to American programs.
In the face of these accusations, Ramaphosa categorically rejected former President Trump’s allegations. According to the president himself, quoted by Europa Press, “President Trump has repeated false statements” regarding the status of the Afrikaner minority and the legitimacy of South African institutions. The Head of State defended the democratic system that was established after the end of apartheid in 1991 and emphasized the Charter of Rights included in the Constitution, which guarantees legal protection and equality for all citizens.
During his appearance, Ramaphosa directly addressed the agricultural issue, which has historically been at the heart of social tensions in South Africa. As Europe Press reported, the president stated that although whites represent nearly 20% of the population, their control of more than 90% of the land originated under apartheid, and continues to spark discussions about justice and equity today. He believes that only an open constitutional process can lead to the necessary reforms, away from any international interference or pressure.
The South African Head of State has repeatedly insisted, as Europe Press published, on the importance of economic, political and social transformations that are determined by South African citizens themselves, through dialogue and national participation, and not through disinformation campaigns promoted from abroad or by internal sectors allied with foreign interests. Ramaphosa also called on those promoting negative perceptions of the country to channel their concerns through available national debate mechanisms.
The President of South Africa stressed that South Africa’s membership in the G20 responds to its status as an established state, and therefore “is not subject to unilateral decisions.” Europe Press cited its call on the international community not to exclude or marginalize the country based on accusations it considers unfounded, and reminded that the South African tradition after apartheid was built on the principle of inclusion. “Following in the tradition of Nelson Mandela and other great leaders who helped build our nation, we have decided that no one should be left out,” Ramaphosa said, according to Europa Press coverage.
Defending sovereignty and self-determination were two main axes in the presidential message, as confirmed by Europe Press. Ramaphosa said public policies must respond exclusively to the needs and aspirations of citizens, without accepting external conditions or allowing disinformation campaigns to determine the national agenda. Moreover, the President endorsed South Africa’s call to maintain an active and independent foreign policy, betting on multilateralism and continued engagement in scenarios such as the G20, despite the restrictions imposed by Washington.
At the conclusion of the diplomatic meeting held in Pretoria, Ramaphosa called for maintaining social consultation and national dialogue mechanisms as effective strategies to confront internal difficulties and challenges posed by the international context and bilateral relations. According to Europe Press, the president stressed the need to deepen these participatory processes to ensure that the country’s path remains under the control of its citizens and not external factors.