JOHANNESBURG

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa accused US President Donald Trump on Sunday of continuing to make "untrue statements" about his country.

Addressing the nation, Ramaphosa said he had taken note of Trump's statement a few days ago that he would not invite South Africa to the G20 summit in Florida next year.

"He repeated untrue statements about genocide against Afrikaners and the confiscation of land from white people in our country," the South African president said.

Trump announced last week that South Africa would not be invited to the 2026 G20 summit in the US, citing the country's alleged refusal to hand over the G20 presidency to a US Embassy representative.

“Earlier this week, we formally handed over the G20 Presidency for 2026 to the United States, observing the appropriate diplomatic protocols,” Ramaphosa said in his address.

Trump boycotted this month's G20 summit in Johannesburg, claiming that white South Africans are being killed indiscriminately and their land seized, which the South African government has repeatedly dismissed as unfounded.

Ramaphosa said it is unfortunate that the reasons the US gave for its non-participation in the summit were based on baseless and false allegations that South Africa is perpetrating genocide against Afrikaners and the confiscation of land from white people. "This is blatant misinformation about our country," he said.

Disinformation endangering, undermining South Africa’s interests

Ramaphosa said South Africa is a founding member of the G20 and will continue to participate as a full, active, and constructive member, despite the challenges and misunderstandings that have arisen.

"South Africa remains a firm and unwavering friend of the American people," he said.

The president said South Africans recall the great solidarity movement in the United States that supported them in their struggle against apartheid.

He affirmed his commitment to continue to engage in dialogue with Washington with respect and dignity as equal sovereign countries.

This year, relations between Washington and Pretoria plunged to their lowest over disagreements on both foreign and domestic policies.

Ramaphosa said they are aware that the stance taken by the US administration has been influenced by a sustained campaign of disinformation by groups and individuals within South Africa, in the US, and elsewhere.

"These people who are spreading disinformation are endangering and undermining South Africa’s national interests, destroying South African jobs, and weakening our country’s relations with one of our most important partners," he said.