Ramaphosa Must Keep Talking to Trump Despite G20 Boycott, Say Experts

As the G20 summit approaches in Johannesburg, South Africa faces an unusual diplomatic hurdle: US President Donald Trump has announced that neither he nor any American officials will attend. Trump cited alleged genocide against Afrikaners, a claim linked to refugee offers earlier this year, as his reason for the boycott.

But experts are urging President Cyril Ramaphosa not to let frustration derail dialogue, stressing the critical importance of maintaining engagement with the United States.

Why Dialogue Matters More Than Ever

Public policy analyst Bennitto Motitswe told local media that giving up on communication with Trump would be a mistake, even amid tensions.

“Dialogue between the US and South Africa is essential. It preserves people-to-people relationships while bridging government-to-government policy differences. The stakes are too high to walk away,” he said.

Motitswe highlighted that Trump’s absence deprives him of witnessing South Africa’s diverse society in action ordinary citizens contributing to the rebuilding of Mandela’s vision.

“For all parties watching, the US is snubbing a successor nation role that could foster global cooperation. Ramaphosa must continue engagement to protect strategic, economic, and social ties,” Motitswe added.

G20 Summit Will Proceed, Experts Say

Independent analyst Sandile Swana noted that the summit will move forward despite the US boycott. South Africa enjoys strong support from key allies such as the United Kingdom and European Union, with commitments to increase aid and strengthen partnerships.

“Trump initially agreed to send Vice President JD Vance, but he ultimately withdrew after seeing that South Africa is pursuing independent policies, including deeper engagement with China,” Swana explained.

The message is clear: Pretoria will not buckle under pressure, and the G20 agenda can continue effectively without direct US participation.

Gauteng Prepares with World Cup-Level Coordination

Preparations in Gauteng for hosting international delegates have sparked an unexpected benefit: renewed collaboration across government, municipalities, and state agencies.

Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, noted that the summit has reignited a sense of urgency reminiscent of the 2010 Soccer World Cup. Officials are working together to fix potholes, traffic lights, and damaged public infrastructure, while also ramping up security measures against vandalism and theft.

“The G20 has compelled an integrated approach to service delivery, crime prevention, and public infrastructure protection,” Diale-Tlabela said.

Social media has echoed some public optimism, with residents posting photos of newly repaired roads and cleaned public spaces in preparation for the summit, noting a “renewed pride in our city.”

A Strategic Imperative

While Trump’s absence may dominate headlines, analysts stress that diplomacy cannot pause. South Africa and the US share critical trade, investment, and security interests, making sustained engagement essential.

Motitswe summed it up:

“Boycotts are temporary, but relationships are long-term. Ramaphosa’s continued dialogue could pave the way for future cooperation, even with current disagreements.”

The message from experts is clear: the G20 summit will proceed, Gauteng is ready, and South Africa must keep talking, no matter who shows up.

{Source: The Citizen}

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