Moses Kau
By Thabo Mosia – Political commentator Moses Kau has sharply criticised United States President Donald Trump’s sudden decision to reverse his boycott of South Africa’s G20 Leaders’ Summit, calling it disingenuous and a sign of weakness. In a detailed write-up shared on social media, Kau compared Trump to a spoilt child who takes his ball home when things do not go his way, only to return when no one follows his lead.
This comes as the historic summit, the first on African soil, kicks off on Saturday, 22 November 2025, at the Nasrec Expo Centre, with over 40 heads of state expected despite initial US resistance. Kau’s views echo broader sentiments that Trump’s flip-flop stems from failed attempts to isolate South Africa over its foreign policy stances.
Kau’s commentary has sparked widespread discussion, highlighting tensions in international relations and South Africa’s firm stand against external pressure. As preparations wrap up, the focus remains on delivering a successful event that advances Africa’s agenda.
Kau’s Harsh Take on Trump’s Reversal
In his piece, Kau expressed disbelief at Trump’s change of heart, suggesting it lacks sincerity. “President Donald Trump, does not cease to amaze me. He reminds me of the years when we were young and used to play football with the children of the rich families (Bana ba Mareiki as we called them). Often these kids would not know how to play football, but would be the ones with the right toks or boots, with sheen guards and knee guards, as if its not enough, would be the one who owns the ball. If he gets angry for whatever reason, of he is called to come home to eat, he takes his ball with him, and leaves, and that would be the end of the match,” Kau wrote.
He argued that Trump’s initial boycott was not about the G20 itself but a direct snub to President Cyril Ramaphosa and South Africans. “That is not my point though. My point is on the withdrawal of the United States from the G20, the threats, and now the turn around,” Kau added. He dismissed Trump’s reasons, like claims of white genocide, as baseless propaganda, pointing out that Trump has access to accurate information through figures like Elon Musk, Ernie Els, Gary Player, and Johann Rupert, as well as US diplomatic channels.
Kau believes the real motives lie in South Africa’s support for Palestine and its alliances with Russia, Iran, and China through BRICS. “For me the real reasons for the attitude of President Trump and through him, the United States government, against us, are the following: – a.The United States taking up cudgels for the State of Israel, because of South Africa’s stance against the crimes against humanity that the State of Israel is committing against the people of Palestine. b.The United States, sees our support to the innocent women and children and the People of Palestine as support for the Islamic Resistance Movement, Hamas. c.The United States detest South Africa having taken the State of Israel to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) d.The United States probably blames us for the warrants of arrest issued against the Prime Minister of Israel, Mr Benjamin Netanyahu by the International Criminal Court (ICC) e.The United States if further incensed by our friendly relations with the Russian Federation, the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Peoples’ Republic of China, and our membership and participation in the BRICS+ family of nations,” he explained.
Kau predicted the US would attend but object to agenda items and block inclusion in the final declaration. “Just watch the space. You will see the real intention of their decision to return to the South Africa 2025 G20 Summit. Lets talk again after the Summit,” he concluded.
Background on the US Boycott and Sudden U-Turn
Trump’s initial boycott stemmed from his view that South Africa’s G20 priorities clashed with American interests. He publicly derided the summit as a “total disgrace” and repeated discredited narratives of white genocide against Afrikaner farmers. In a social media post, he instructed no US officials to attend, opting out of sending Vice President JD Vance or Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
The decision drew sharp rebukes from South African leaders. Ramaphosa dismissed it, saying “boycott politics doesn’t work” and the US’s absence was “their loss.” Foreign ministry spokesperson Chrispin Phiri echoed this, stating absent parties cannot dictate outcomes.
The reversal came abruptly, with Ramaphosa confirming during the SA-EU Bilateral Summit on Thursday that logistical adjustments are underway. “All we will be seeking to do is to look at the various practicalities, logistical and otherwise, for them to participate,” he said. A reserved US seat at the round table will now be occupied, despite earlier plans excluding them.
This flip-flop followed realisation that other major powers, including China (represented by Premier Li Qiang), were attending in force. Trump’s isolation, supported only by Argentina’s President Javier Milei, likely prompted the change.
South Africa’s Defiant Hosting Amid Global Tensions
South Africa’s G20 Presidency, under the theme “Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability,” has faced US criticism as “anti-American.” Rubio branded it so in February 2025. Despite this, Ramaphosa affirmed the declaration will proceed. “We will have a declaration. The talks are going extremely well,” he said, confident in finalising it.
The summit has expanded inclusivity, growing engagement groups from 14 to 22 and incorporating traditional leaders and Khoi-San voices. Over 100 preparatory meetings led to seven legacy projects, like a Pan-African sovereign wealth fund and youth empowerment initiatives.
Bilateral relations with the US have strained over South Africa’s positions on Ukraine, Gaza, and BRICS alliances. The US expelled SA’s ambassador in March 2025, but recent talks suggest a thaw.
Public and Expert Reactions to the U-Turn
Kau’s commentary resonated online, with many praising his analogy and analysis. Users highlighted SA’s resilience, one noting: “Trump thought he could bully us, but we’re standing tall.” Analysts see the reversal as pragmatic, allowing US engagement on trade and climate despite differences.
Political expert Ebrahim Fakir noted it exposes US inconsistencies, while strengthening SA’s Global South stance. For locals, it boosts pride in hosting amid snubs.
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