Ramaphosa Defies US Boycott: G20 Declaration to Proceed as South Africa Stands Firm Against Bullying
Johannesburg – President Cyril Ramaphosa has firmly stated that the G20 Leaders’ Summit declaration will go ahead with or without the United States, insisting that South Africa “will not be bullied by anyone.” This strong response came amid Washington’s boycott of the event and its demand for no joint outcome document. Ramaphosa made the comments during his closing address at the G20 Social Summit on Thursday, 20 November 2025, where he described the gathering as a historic milestone for global cooperation. As the first G20 summit on African soil wraps up, South Africa’s Presidency has showcased an inclusive approach, expanding engagement and introducing seven legacy projects aimed at long-term benefits for the continent and beyond.
The US absence, announced by President Donald Trump citing differences with South Africa’s priorities, has not derailed proceedings. Instead, it has highlighted tensions over global governance, with Ramaphosa emphasising equality among nations. This stance aligns with South Africa’s theme of “Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability,” which has drawn criticism from some quarters but praise for amplifying African voices.
Ramaphosa’s Pushback Against US Pressure
In his address at the three-day G20 Social Summit in Boksburg, east of Johannesburg, Ramaphosa took direct aim at the US position. “Well, without the United States the whole process of the G20 is moving forward… we will not be bullied. We will not agree to be bullied,” he said. He added that no absent party can dictate terms, reinforcing South Africa’s resolve to adopt a declaration reflecting consensus among attending leaders.
Foreign ministry spokesperson Chrispin Phiri echoed this, stating Washington’s boycott removes its influence over outcomes. “We will not be told by anyone who is absent that we cannot adopt a declaration or make any decisions at the summit,” Phiri said. He warned that allowing “coercion by absentia” could paralyse international forums.
The US diplomatic note, sent over the weekend, opposed any consensus document without its agreement, proposing only a “Chair’s Statement” noting the lack of full accord. This followed Trump’s boycott announcement, labelling South Africa’s priorities “anti-American.” Ramaphosa countered that boycott politics fails and the US’s loss is self-inflicted.
G20 Social Summit: A Milestone for Inclusive Cooperation
The Social Summit, running from 18 to 20 November 2025, brought together nearly 5,000 delegates, including youth and women from diverse backgrounds. Building on Brazil’s innovation, South Africa expanded participation from 14 to 22 engagement groups, incorporating traditional leaders and Khoi-San indigenous representatives for an “African flair.”
Ramaphosa hailed it as a turning point, comparing it to the 1955 Bandung Conference and anti-apartheid solidarity. “History too will record this year as a milestone for global cooperation. We affirm the historic nature, not only of the first summit of the G20 to take place on African soil, but also of this Social Summit, a gathering of peoples from across the world. It is our expectation that this Social Summit will be remembered for being far more than a marketplace of ideas. Just as the Bandung Conference elevated the voice of the Global South and just as the Conference of the People harnessed global solidarity against apartheid, this year’s G20 Social Summit must be remembered for having given practical meaning to global solidarity,” he said.
Over 100 preparatory meetings focused on five key areas: digital inclusion, trade resilience, climate justice, sustainable finance, and advancing SDGs alongside Agenda 2063. Public inputs via Government Communication and Information System outreach were included, fulfilling Ramaphosa’s directive for an inclusive African Presidency.
Seven Legacy Projects to Drive Long-Term Change
A standout achievement is the introduction of seven legacy projects, ensuring the summit’s impact endures:
- Pan-African sovereign wealth fund initiative.
- Public-private health accelerator.
- Empower youth and communities through inclusive, sustainable social infrastructure and opportunity pathways.
- Accelerator for digitally enabled MSME finance and trade for women and youth.
- Timbuktu creatives hub.
- Digitally enabled higher education systems aligned with Africa’s development goals.
- Securing the next decade of impact to guarantee the future of adolescent girls and young women in Africa.
These initiatives, born from collaborative deliberations, aim to foster economic self-reliance, health access, and empowerment. Ntshavheni noted the hard work in agreeing on continued partnerships for implementation.
Broader Context of US Boycott and Global Tensions
The US snub stems from disagreements with South Africa’s priorities, seen as counter to American views. Secretary of State Marco Rubio branded the theme “anti-American” in February 2025. Ramaphosa’s office suggested the summit counters US economic bullying.
Despite this, attending nations like China, India, and Brazil have engaged fully, focusing on shared prosperity. South Africa’s firm stance echoes its Global South advocacy, refusing to yield to absent powers.
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