• Trump announces exclusion of South Africa from the 2026 G20 summit in Miami.
• The decision follows claims of human rights abuses against white Afrikaners in South Africa.
• South Africa's government rejects Trump's allegations as misinformation.
• Diplomatic relations between the US and South Africa are deteriorating.
• Ramaphosa defends South Africa's rights and membership in the G20.

US President Donald Trump declared on Wednesday that South Africa will be barred from attending the G20 summit in 2026, citing its alleged failure to address what he describes as "horrific human rights abuses" against white Afrikaners. His decision was voiced through a post on his social media platform, where he stated, "South Africa has demonstrated to the World they are not a country worthy of Membership anywhere," and announced an immediate cessation of all US payments and subsidies to the country, effective immediately, according to SCMP and Los Angeles Times.

Trump justified the US absence from the recently concluded G20 summit in Johannesburg by alleging that South Africa "refuses to acknowledge or address the horrific Human Right Abuses endured by Afrikaners." Notably, he reiterated unfounded claims suggesting a systematic "white genocide" in South Africa, garnishing significant criticism as human rights experts and the South African government have consistently rebuffed these claims, labeling them disinformation, according to Al Jazeera and BBC.

South Africa President Cyril Ramaphosa branded Trump's announcement as "regrettable," asserting that the country remains a full member of the G20 and will continue to engage actively in the forum despite Trump's actions. Ramaphosa clarified that the instruments of the G20 presidency were properly handed over to a US embassy official during the closing ceremonies, countering Trump's claim that South Africa refused to hand off the gavel to a senior representative from Washington. Ramaphosa emphasized the importance of multilateral cooperation and condemned unilateral actions against South Africa, according to India Times and India Times.

Compounding tensions, this diplomatic fallout follows decades of generally amicable relations between the US and South Africa. The current narrative surrounding human rights abuses has veered sharply negative, with Trump's administration accusing South Africa of anti-American sentiments due to its growing ties with nations like China and Russia. Trump's stance on South Africa appears influenced by domestic political motivations, seeking to appeal to specific voter bases at home that might resonate with his claims. Observers note that legal and institutional norms of the G20 make it highly unlikely for one member to unilaterally exclude another, suggesting that any attempt to block South Africa could face substantial pushback among other G20 members, according to Africanews and Al Jazeera.