South Africa’s G20 Summit continues despite US absence

South Africa has reaffirmed its readiness to host a successful G20 Summit in Johannesburg, despite the withdrawal of the United States from the gathering. President Cyril Ramaphosa moved to reassure the nation and its partners that the summit’s programme remains intact and that the absence of the US will not compromise the event’s objectives.

Speaking in Kliptown ahead of the summit, Ramaphosa said South Africa would not be swayed by boycott politics, stressing that the G20 remains an essential platform for global economic dialogue. He emphasised that the Summit would continue as planned and that the country remains committed to inclusive multilateral engagement.

International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola has maintained the same position throughout the year, noting that the success of the summit does not hinge on any single country’s presence. The US withdrawal followed political statements from former president Donald Trump, who claimed that Washington would not send representatives due to unfounded allegations about South Africa’s human-rights record.

Despite the diplomatic noise, more than 60 heads of state and global leaders are expected in Johannesburg, and the key negotiating tracks remain active. South Africa’s presidency of the G20 has centred on priorities such as reducing global inequality, advancing climate-finance reform, and addressing debt challenges facing developing nations.

Analysts say the US absence may be symbolically significant but is unlikely to derail the summit’s outcomes. With strong attendance from Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America, South Africa’s role as host remains intact, and the event is set to proceed with full international momentum.

As Ramaphosa put it, the G20 remains bigger than any one country — and South Africa intends to use its platform to amplify the voice of the Global South.