SA won’t be lobbying any country amid G20 discord with US: Ramaphosa

President Cyril Ramaphosa says South Africa will not lobby any country following threats by the United States to block Pretoria’s participation in next year’s G20 summit.

His remarks come amid escalating diplomatic tensions between the two countries. Yesterday, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio reiterated the country’s position, that South Africa will not be invited to G20 meetings in Miami.

The US has criticised South Africa’s foreign policy positions and even repeated unfounded claims of a so-called “white genocide” in the country.

Ramaphosa maintained that South Africa would not engage in reactive lobbying, saying the nation remains confident in its international standing and its role within the global community.

“We don’t need to mobilise anyone. We’re not wired that way in South Africa. Every country must take its own decisions, and we are who we are, and we don’t really peddle our role in any shape or form,” he said. “So, as South Africa, we leave every country to make up its own mind with regard to all that is happening.”

Ramaphosa added that South Africa has yet to receive any formal written communication from the US regarding its G20 participation.

“We are, as South Africa, a fully fledged member of the G20, and we have held a very successful G20, and this is not only being said by us, it is said by many,  many other people around the world and saying that South Africa’s Presidency of the G20 was a very successful G20 process.”

Speaking to journalists, Ramaphosa also affirmed that America’s stance does not give him sleepless nights.

“All we want, really, as South Africa is to be treated as an equal sovereign country, a country that respects other countries, a country that fosters the success and prosperity of other countries. That’s who we are.”

“We wish no country ill in the world, and in fact, as a country, we don’t have enemies, we just have friends, and we want to advance the friendship relationships with all countries in the world. And that is our stance, and we will never be derogatory against any country, any leader in the world,” Ramaphosa added.

“We will always treat every country with due regard and with respect and with great consideration. That’s who we are, and that is very much a part of our foreign policy.”

Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, has also addressed the issue, firmly rejecting America’s claim that it can unilaterally exclude South Africa from the G20.

He emphasized that South Africa remains open to dialogue and committed to maintaining overall diplomatic relations.

Secretary Rubio,

I have read your Substack post from 3 December 2025.

From the outset, let me extend congratulations to the United States on assuming the G20 Presidency. We offer our sincere wishes for a successful term, one that we hope will serve the cause of global unity and…

— Minister: International Relations and Cooperation (@RonaldLamola) December 4, 2025