‘Not Worthy of Membership’: Trump Bars SA from 2026 G20 and Ramaphosa Fires Back

A Diplomatic Blow Lands, Public Shock Follows

South Africans went to bed on Wednesday night expecting the usual political noise, not a seismic diplomatic blast from Washington.
Shortly before midnight, US President Donald Trump posted a fiery statement on Truth Social declaring that South Africa would not be invited to the 2026 G20 summit in Miami. He went further, announcing an immediate halt to all US financial support for the country.

The reason? According to Trump, Pretoria refused to hand over the symbolic G20 presidency baton to an American diplomat at the closing ceremony of this year’s summit in Johannesburg, a claim South Africa says is completely misleading.

What followed on social media was predictable: anger, jokes, confusion and an outpouring of “America must chill” memes across South African Twitter (now X). Many users accused Trump of “reviving old narratives” about racial tensions in South Africa that have long been weaponised internationally.

Trump’s Claims: Old Fears Repackaged

In his posts, Trump again resurfaced one of his most controversial talking points: the idea that white South Africans, particularly farmers are being murdered “with no consequences.”

He wrote:

“They are killing white people and randomly allowing their farms to be taken from them.”

The claim has been repeatedly challenged by researchers, South African institutions and even US fact-checkers. Yet Trump’s messaging continues to resonate with certain conservative and far-right groups abroad.

His statement escalated into a full-blown dismissal of South Africa as a global partner:

“South Africa has demonstrated to the world that they are not a country worthy of membership anywhere.”

For a sitting US President to expel a G20 member unilaterally is unheard of. The G20 isn’t a private club, no single country decides who stays or goes. It operates by consensus among all members.

Ramaphosa’s Camp: ‘We’re Still Full Members’

By 1am, the Presidency had issued a sharp but measured response.

Spokesperson Vincent Magwenya stressed that South Africa remains “a full, active and constructive” member of the G20.
He criticised Trump’s remarks as being driven by “misinformation and distortions,” noting that the US had been invited to every meeting during South Africa’s presidency but chose not to attend the Leaders’ Summit.

He added:

“South Africa is a sovereign, constitutional and democratic country, and does not appreciate insults from another nation about its standing in global forums.”

Perhaps the most important clarification concerned the controversial handover:

South Africa did transfer the ceremonial G20 presidency instruments, but because the US did not attend the summit, the handover was conducted at DIRCO headquarters with a US Embassy official.
In other words: protocol was followed, just not in the dramatic stage setting Trump described.

The Real Story Behind the Snub

While Trump frames his decision as punishment for South Africa’s “conduct,” analysts say the tension has been simmering for years.

A few key flashpoints include:

• South Africa’s non-alignment stance on global conflicts, especially its position on US-led actions and unilateral sanctions.

• South Africa’s legal action against Israel at the International Court of Justice, which angered some US political groups.

• A long-standing perception among American conservatives that South Africa discriminates against white citizens.

So Trump’s statement, while shocking in tone, didn’t emerge from a vacuum.

Global and Local Reaction: A Mix of Outrage and Eye-Rolls

South Africans reacted with their trademark blend of humour and irritation.

• Some accused Trump of “campaigning through foreign policy theatrics.”

• Others wondered if the move would have any real impact, since G20 membership can’t be revoked by a single president.

• Many expressed frustration that South Africa, already juggling domestic crises, now faces another diplomatic spat on the global stage.

On the global front, diplomats from several G20 countries quietly noted that Trump’s claims misconstrue how the organisation works. The G20 has never expelled a member and even controversial states like Russia have remained despite international criticism.

What Happens Now?

In practice, South Africa cannot be barred from the G20 unless a collective decision is made by all members and that has never happened in the group’s 25-year history.

But Trump’s statement still matters. It signals:

• A potential cooling or freezing of US–SA relations

• A climate where American funding and cooperation may be harder to secure

• A political narrative that could influence global investors and diplomatic partners

South Africa will likely seek reassurance from other G20 members, while Ramaphosa’s administration tries to keep the fallout contained.

A Growing Rift with Real Consequences

Whether the 2026 G20 guest list changes or not, the bigger story is the widening gap between Washington and Pretoria.
A relationship once characterised by cooperation on trade, health, and regional stability, is now defined by public confrontations and competing narratives.

And as South Africa heads into another election cycle, Trump’s intervention adds an unexpected twist to the country’s already intense political climate.

One thing is clear: this diplomatic fight is far from over.

{Source: IOL}

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