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South Africa has announced that the United States has indicated a last-minute willingness to participate in this weekend’s G20 summit in Johannesburg, marking a sharp turnaround from its earlier decision to boycott the gathering.
President Cyril Ramaphosa confirmed on Thursday that Washington had notified Pretoria of its change of position, though discussions were still underway to clarify what form its involvement would take.
The Trump administration had previously stated that it would not attend the November 22–23 meeting, insisting that no leaders’ declaration could be issued without its participation.
Tensions between the two nations have grown throughout the year over both domestic and international policy matters, with the United States also objecting to several of South Africa’s priorities for the first G20 summit to be hosted in Africa.
Ramaphosa explained that the shift came at an extremely late stage, saying the government must now determine how the United States intends to engage and whether its participation is feasible at such short notice.
US officials have not yet commented publicly on the development.
A diplomatic note sent by the US embassy on Saturday reiterated its refusal to attend, arguing that South Africa’s G20 agenda conflicts with American policy positions.
Earlier in the day, Ramaphosa insisted that South Africa would not succumb to pressure, warning against any nation using its power to dictate terms to others.
He emphasised that no country should be demeaned because of its size, wealth, or military strength, and stressed that “there should be no bullying of one nation by another.”
Despite the disagreements, Ramaphosa described Washington’s apparent reversal as “a positive sign,” arguing that the presence of the world’s largest economy is important.
South Africa has centred its G20 presidency on the theme “Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability,” with a focus on disaster resilience, debt sustainability for low-income nations, financing a just energy transition, and using critical minerals to drive inclusive and sustainable growth.
Pretoria has vowed to continue pursuing a consensus on an official leaders’ declaration, despite earlier objections from the United States.
Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola said South Africa would not accept being told that decisions cannot be made simply because one country has chosen to stay away.
Relations between Trump and South Africa have deteriorated significantly since his return to office in January.
He has imposed a 30 per cent trade tariff—one of the highest in sub-Saharan Africa—expelled South Africa’s ambassador, and repeated discredited claims that white Afrikaners are being systematically targeted in the country.
Nevertheless, US companies remain deeply embedded in South Africa’s economy, with more than 600 American firms operating in the country, according to the South African embassy in Washington.
At the Business 20 event concluding in Johannesburg on Thursday, the head of the US Chamber of Commerce, Suzanne Clark, expressed appreciation for South Africa’s efforts to promote cooperation among G20 members and pledged continued collaboration as the G20 presidency rotates to the United States in 2026.
The G20 represents 19 countries along with the European Union and African Union, accounting for 85 per cent of global GDP and roughly two-thirds of the world’s population.
