South Africa Defies Trump, Seeks G20 Allies After Disinvitation
JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA – November 27, 2025 - South Africa is actively seeking support from fellow G20 nations following former U.S. President Donald Trump’s attempt to undermine the international forum and his reported efforts to have South Africa excluded from future summits. The South African government has vowed to remain a “full, active and constructive member” of the G20 despite what it characterizes as “threatening gestures and retorts” from Trump.
The escalating tension stems from South Africa’s recent success in forging a consensus-based final declaration at the Johannesburg G20 summit last weekend – a declaration achieved without U.S. participation. This move, perceived by Trump as a challenge to his influence, prompted his reported disinvitation attempt, sparking outrage in South Africa and raising concerns about the future of multilateral cooperation. The stakes are high,as a fractured G20 could diminish the collective ability to address critical global challenges,from economic stability to climate change.
Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya stated that South Africa will not be “intimidated” and is appealing to all G20 members to “reaffirm the continued existence of the forum in the spirit of multilateralism - based on consensus and equal participation of all members in all structures.” This call for solidarity underscores South Africa’s commitment to a rules-based international order and its belief in the value of collective decision-making.
The Johannesburg summit’s joint final declaration,finalized on November 24,2025,represents a significant diplomatic victory for South africa. It demonstrates the country’s ability to bridge divides and foster agreement among diverse nations, even in the absence of the United States. The G20, formed in 1999, brings together the world’s major economies to address global economic and financial issues. South Africa joined the group in 2010, becoming the only African nation represented in the forum.
