Trump’s G20 Boycott: Expert Moses Kau Claims It’s Retaliation Over South Africa’s Support for Palestine
As the world gears up for the G20 Leaders’ Summit set to take place at the Nasrec Expo Centre in Johannesburg on 22 and 23 November 2025, a major diplomatic storm has erupted. United States President Donald Trump has declared a full boycott of the event, stating that no US officials will attend. This bold move, announced on his social media platform rather than through standard diplomatic routes, has sparked widespread debate. International relations and protocol expert Moses Kau argues that the decision is not about the G20 itself but a deliberate snub aimed at President Cyril Ramaphosa and the people of South Africa. Kau suggests it stems from deeper geopolitical frustrations, including South Africa’s firm stance against what it calls crimes against humanity by Israel in Palestine.
The Announcement That Shook Global Diplomacy
President Trump’s declaration came suddenly, branding South Africa’s hosting of the G20 as a “total disgrace”. He repeated long-discredited claims that the country is committing genocide against Afrikaners, descendants of Dutch settlers who form part of the white minority. These allegations have been widely debunked by experts, who point out that farm attacks and murders in South Africa are driven by crime and affect farmers of all races, not just whites. Despite this, Trump’s post has reignited old narratives pushed by groups like AfriForum, which have lobbied in the US to spread misinformation about targeted killings.
In response, President Ramaphosa described the boycott as “their loss”, insisting the summit will proceed without disruption. He emphasised that the gathering will still host over 30 world leaders, including heads from 14 invited nations beyond the core G20 members. South African officials have condemned Trump’s remarks as “imperialist” and racially charged, arguing they reflect outdated views rather than current realities. Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana also criticised the move, highlighting its potential to harm global cooperation at a time when unity is needed.
Argentina has joined the boycott, with President Javier Milei opting not to attend and sending Foreign Minister Pablo Quirno instead. This aligns Milei’s administration closely with Washington, signalling a shift in Argentina’s foreign policy. Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin will skip the event due to an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court (ICC) over the Ukraine conflict. Despite these absences, preparations are in full swing, with the summit’s theme – “Solidarity, Equality, and Sustainability” – set to guide discussions on global challenges like climate change, economic growth, and fair trade.
Debunking the Afrikaner Genocide Myth: Facts Over Fiction
Moses Kau firmly dismisses the idea that Trump’s boycott is based on genuine concerns about Afrikaners. He points out that the president has ample access to accurate information that contradicts these myths. The US maintains a strong footprint in South Africa, with a full embassy in Pretoria and consulates-general in Johannesburg, Durban, and Cape Town. Intelligence from the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), often based in these diplomatic posts, would have long clarified that no genocide or systematic persecution exists.
Adding to this, over 600 American businesses operate in South Africa, spanning industries like mining, technology, and finance. These companies provide direct insights into local conditions and advise the White House on issues like farmer safety. Kau notes that prominent South Africans, such as golfers Ernie Els and Gary Player – the latter awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by Trump on 7 January 2021 during his first term – and business leader Johann Rupert, have likely shared firsthand accounts during Oval Office meetings. They confirm that farm killings are not racially targeted but part of broader crime issues affecting everyone, regardless of skin colour.
US media outlets like CNN International, CNBC Africa, and Voice of America (VOA) have a significant presence here, alongside digital tools such as Zoom, Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, and Skype (now US-owned). If a genocide were happening, these platforms would have exposed it through extensive coverage. Instead, reports focus on South Africa’s vibrant democracy and economic progress.
Tourism figures further undermine the claims. South Africa welcomed 353,975 American visitors in 2023 and 372,262 in 2024. Projections for 2025 show even higher numbers, with early data indicating a 10% rise in US arrivals during the first half of the year. These tourists return home with stories of safe travels, cultural diversity, and natural wonders, not tales of widespread violence against any group.
The Real Reasons Behind the Snub: Geopolitical Frictions Exposed
According to Kau, the true motive for Trump’s absence lies in South Africa’s independent foreign policy, which has clashed with US interests. A key issue is Pretoria’s support for Palestine amid the ongoing conflict. South Africa views US backing of Israel as enabling crimes against humanity against Palestinians and sees its own advocacy as standing for justice, not support for groups like Hamas.
This tension peaked when South Africa took Israel to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in late 2023, accusing it of genocide in Gaza. The case has advanced, with hearings continuing into 2025 and growing international backing. The US may also blame South Africa for influencing the ICC’s arrest warrants issued against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in 2024 for alleged war crimes.
Beyond the Middle East, Washington is unhappy with South Africa’s close ties to Russia and President Vladimir Putin, despite the ICC warrant. Relations with Iran and the People’s Republic of China also irk the US, as does South Africa’s active role in BRICS – a group including Brazil, Russia, India, China, and new members like Egypt and Ethiopia. BRICS has emerged as a counterweight to Western dominance, promoting trade in local currencies and challenging institutions like the World Bank. Kau describes it as a “thorn” in the US’s side.
Even President Ramaphosa’s invitation to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for a visit failed to ease tensions, as the US sees South Africa’s neutral stance on the Russia-Ukraine war as too lenient toward Moscow. These frictions have led to practical US actions, such as tariffs on South African exports and prioritised refugee pathways for white South Africans, framing them as persecuted – a policy that has drawn criticism for ignoring broader contexts.
Potential Impacts on the Summit and Beyond
The boycott raises questions about the G20 presidency handover. South Africa holds the role until 30 November 2025, after which the US is scheduled to take over. With no senior US officials attending, a low-level representative from the Pretoria embassy might handle the transition, potentially diminishing its significance.
Kau believes Trump’s absence could be a blessing, avoiding unnecessary drama in a forum not chaired by him. “Can you imagine him sitting in a meeting not controlled by him?” Kau quips. He urges Ramaphosa to press on, using the summit to build stronger bonds with other G20 nations and the European Union. This could boost South Africa’s influence, benefiting the entire African continent and developing world through deals on infrastructure, green energy, and debt relief.
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