President Cyril Ramaphosa and US President Donald Trump
by Thabo Mosia
Johannesburg – President Cyril Ramaphosa has confirmed that the United States has had a sudden change of heart and now wants to take part in South Africa’s G20 Leaders’ Summit this weekend, just days after announcing a full boycott. The about-turn comes in the 11th hour, with logistical teams scrambling to fit in the US delegation and adjust speaking slots and security plans. Ramaphosa stressed that the US, as a founding G20 member, has every right to join, and a seat at the round table has stayed open for them all along. This reversal follows Washington’s earlier warning against issuing a joint leaders’ declaration, a move Ramaphosa has firmly rejected, saying South Africa will not be bullied by anyone.
The summit, set for Saturday and Sunday, 22-23 November 2025, at the Nasrec Expo Centre, marks the first time the event is held on African soil. Despite the US flip-flop, preparations are in full swing, with over 40 heads of state expected and a focus on themes like equality and sustainability.
Ramaphosa’s Firm Stance on US Participation and Independence
Speaking at the South Africa–European Union Bilateral Summit on Thursday, Ramaphosa shared details of the US request. “Well, the United States is a member of the G20. They are the original member of the G20, so they have the right to be here,” he said. He explained that while the boycott meant no initial plans for US involvement, teams are now working on the details. “All we will be seeking to do is to look at the various practicalities, logistical and otherwise, for them to participate,” Ramaphosa added.
He highlighted the challenges of the late change. “There is a lot of logistics that go into getting leaders to come to the venue, to participate, how they will speak and their speaking order. Those are matters that had not been pre-planned because they pulled out, so we need to understand how all that will pan out.”
Ramaphosa also addressed the empty US seat at the summit table. “They have a seat at the round table, as you will see on Saturday. There is a seat for the United States. So when President Trump said they are not coming, that seat still remained. It was empty for a while but it will hopefully be occupied.”
This confirmation follows a US diplomatic note over the weekend, reiterating the boycott and demanding no joint declaration – a standard G20 outcome. Ramaphosa dismissed any coercion, saying the process moves forward without absent parties dictating terms.
Background on the US Boycott and Reversal
The US boycott stemmed from President Donald Trump’s view that South Africa’s G20 priorities clashed with American policies. In February 2025, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio called the theme “Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability” “anti-American.” Trump echoed this, repeating discredited claims of white persecution in South Africa and instructing no officials to attend.
The reversal, announced just before the summit, surprised many. Sources suggest back-channel talks may have swayed the decision, with the US recognising the value of engaging on global issues like trade and climate. Despite the late entry, Ramaphosa welcomed it, focusing on practical steps to include them.
Other nations like Russia, China, Mexico, and Argentina are sending delegations instead of leaders, but over 40 heads of state will attend in person, ensuring robust discussions.
Summit Focus and South Africa’s Inclusive Approach
South Africa’s Presidency has centred on African priorities, expanding the G20 Social Summit to include 22 engagement groups – up from Brazil’s 14 – with input from traditional leaders and Khoi-San communities. Ramaphosa praised this as giving “practical meaning to global solidarity,” comparing it to historic events like the Bandung Conference.
The summit has birthed seven legacy projects, including a Pan-African sovereign wealth fund and youth empowerment initiatives, aimed at long-term impact. Over 100 preparatory meetings built consensus on digital inclusion, trade resilience, climate justice, sustainable finance, and advancing SDGs with Agenda 2063.
Ramaphosa’s defiance against the US demand for no declaration underscores South Africa’s push for an independent voice. “We will have a declaration. The talks are going extremely well,” he said, confident in finalising it.
