Mbalula Hits Back at US After G20 Exclusion, Is South Africa Ready to Pivot Away from Washington?

“We Are Not America’s 51st State”, Mbalula Fires Back as US Sidelines South Africa from G20 Miami Summit

Is South Africa finally drawing a line in the sand?

South Africa’s diplomatic pot is simmering again, this time over reports that the United States plans to exclude SA from the 2025 G20 Summit in Miami, allegedly replacing the country with Poland. The move has sparked frustration within the ANC, with Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula suggesting that it may be time to intensify trade relations elsewhere instead of waiting for strained ties with Washington to heal themselves.

The comments came during the ANC Greater Johannesburg’s 16th regional elective conference in Woodmead, where Mbalula didn’t hold back. His tone was firm, almost defiant, the kind used when patience has stretched thin.

A Diplomatic Chill Years in the Making

While the ANC insists South Africa remains committed to multilateralism, peace, and sovereignty, whispers behind political doors suggest President Cyril Ramaphosa is growing weary of Donald Trump’s “bullying tactics.” Persistent criticism from US officials, particularly on policies related to racial equity and economic reform, appears to be widening the rift.

The latest blow? Washington’s decision to reject South Africa’s participation in next year’s G20 engagement, despite SA being a long-standing member of the forum.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has been particularly vocal, accusing South Africa of moving away from Mandela’s reconciliation ideals and adopting “redistributionist” policies that allegedly push away investment and talent.

“Racial quotas have crippled the private sector, while corruption bankrupts the state,” Rubio argued comments that landed like salt on an already open diplomatic wound.

Mbalula: “South Africa Will Not Be Lectured”

Mbalula didn’t mince his words in response, framing Rubio’s stance as an attack on national independence.

“They have now communicated a decision in public that we are not invited to the G20… That is the worst aggression among nations,” he said, drawing parallels to Cuba’s decades-long US embargo.

He reminded Washington that South Africa is not an appendix of the United States, and that Rubio’s tone sounded as if SA should fall in line like one of America’s domestic states.

“Rubio speaks of South Africa like it is one of the states in America,” Mbalula argued. “He does not understand that this country is in Africa.”

The message was clear, South Africa wants respect, not supervision.

Are We Giving Up on Mending Relations?

Not officially. But there’s a shift in posture.

South Africa still values global cooperation, but Mbalula hinted that the ANC will broaden relations with other economies, possibly China, BRICS partners, and Global South allies if US hostility continues.

“We will never forsake our country for the beliefs we stand for,” he said.

This could signal a new diplomatic era, one where SA no longer tries to win favour, but negotiates from a place of sovereignty, even if it means less hand-holding from Washington.

Public Reaction: Pride, Anger & Fatigue

South Africans are split and social media shows it plainly:

“Good. We must stand on our own two feet.”
“Be careful we need the US more than they need us.”
“Rubio is out of line, but corruption at home isn’t helping either.”

Many are tired of watching global powers tug South Africa like rope in a geopolitical contest. Others worry that losing US access, trade, and political goodwill could hurt the economy more than it hurts American pride.

The conversation is less about who is right and more about what South Africa will become if it stands its ground.

Will This Freeze Last?

It’s too early to call it a diplomatic divorce, but the honeymoon is certainly over. The next few months could determine whether SA-US relations rebuild, fracture, or simply evolve into something less cozy and more transactional.

For now, one thing is unmistakable:
South Africa is done being spoken down to.

{Source: The Citizen}

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