Ramaphosa says South Africa Shares Common Values With the United States and Wants Friendship with the American People

Addressing South Africans last night, President Cyril Ramaphosa moved to steady the country’s relationship with the United States, saying the two nations share common values and a long history of solidarity despite recent diplomatic strain.

He said it was regrettable that the United States, a founding member of the G20 and incoming chair in 2026, chose not to participate in the G20 Leaders Summit or the final meetings leading up to it. Ramaphosa added that it was even more unfortunate that Washington’s explanation rested on baseless and false allegations that South Africa is perpetrating genocide against Afrikaners and confiscating land from white citizens, describing this as blatant misinformation about the country.

Ramaphosa contrasted the US government’s absence with the strong participation of American businesses, civic organisations and individuals at G20-related activities, including the Business20 Summit and the G20 Social Summit. He said South Africa valued their constructive and enthusiastic involvement.

He told South Africans that earlier in the week the government had formally handed over the G20 Presidency for 2026 to the United States, observing all appropriate diplomatic protocols. He then addressed comments made by President Donald Trump, who recently claimed that South Africa would not be invited to the 2026 G20 and repeated statements about genocide and land confiscation. Ramaphosa said South Africa is a founding member of the G20 and will continue to participate as a full, active and constructive member in its own name and right.

Despite the tensions, Ramaphosa stressed that South Africa remains a firm and unwavering friend of the American people. He recalled the solidarity movement in the United States that supported South Africa during the struggle for democracy and freedom, and noted how the US Bill of Rights inspired South Africa’s own Constitution. He said the country offers the American people goodwill and friendship and reaffirmed a commitment to respectful dialogue as equal sovereign nations.

Ramaphosa ended by saying that the two nations have common interests, common values and a shared wish to advance the prosperity and well-being of their people.