Ramaphosa rebukes Trump over "untrue" claims about South Africa

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has directly challenged US President Donald Trump over what he describes as persistent falsehoods about the nation's domestic policies. In a national address, Ramaphosa condemned Trump's recent statements, which included claims of genocide against white South Africans and the confiscation of their land, labeling them as blatant misinformation.

Addressing the "Untrue Statements"

President Ramaphosa confirmed he had taken note of Trump's announcement that South Africa would not be invited to the 2026 G20 summit in the United States. "He repeated untrue statements about genocide against Afrikaners and the confiscation of land from white people in our country," Ramaphosa stated. He clarified that his government had formally handed over the G20 presidency for 2026 to the US, observing all appropriate diplomatic protocols, countering Trump's cited reason for the disinvitation.

A Firm Stance on G20 Membership and Bilateral Relations

Despite the tension, the South African leader asserted that his country, as a founding member of the G20, would continue to participate as a "full, active, and constructive member." He sought to separate the political dispute from the broader relationship, stating, "South Africa remains a firm and unwavering friend of the American people," and recalling US solidarity during the anti-apartheid struggle. Ramaphosa expressed his commitment to continue engaging with Washington on the basis of mutual respect and dignity as equal sovereign nations.

The Role of Disinformation Campaigns

President Ramaphosa attributed the US administration's stance to a "sustained campaign of disinformation" by certain groups and individuals both within South Africa and abroad. He argued that these actors are "endangering and undermining South Africa’s national interests, destroying South African jobs, and weakening our country’s relations with one of our most important partners." This public rebuttal marks a new low in US-South Africa relations, which have been strained this year over disagreements on foreign and domestic policy matters.