JOHANNESBURG — In a dramatic late-hour shift, the United States has notified South Africa that it now intends to take part in this weekend’s G20 summit in Johannesburg, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced on Nov. 20, according to “Hurriyet Daily News”. The reversal comes after months of simmering tensions between Washington and Pretoria, and just days after U.S. officials insisted they would boycott the Nov. 22–23 gathering.
The Trump administration had previously warned that no official G20 leaders’ declaration could be issued without U.S. participation. The dispute reflected deeper disagreements over South Africa’s domestic positions and global policy priorities, tensions that have shaped the diplomatic relationship throughout the year.
Ramaphosa, speaking to reporters, said the U.S. message arrived unexpectedly: “We have received notice… about a change of mind about participating in one shape, form, or other in the summit. This comes at a late hour, and we need to determine how practical this will be.”
Only a day earlier, the U.S. Embassy reiterated its refusal to attend, arguing that South Africa’s G20 agenda “runs counter to U.S. policy views.” Pretoria responded firmly. “South Africa will not be bullied,” Ramaphosa declared at a pre-summit event, insisting that every nation deserves a voice regardless of power or wealth.
Despite the strained backdrop, Ramaphosa called Washington’s change of heart “a positive sign,” adding that the world’s largest economy “needs to be here.”
Under the theme “Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability,” South Africa has pushed priorities including disaster resilience, debt relief for low-income countries, and a just global energy transition. Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola stressed that the summit would move ahead with its agenda “with or without” U.S. approval.
Trump’s renewed presidency has brought sharper criticism of South Africa, from debunked claims about attacks on white farmers to steep new trade tariffs. Yet American business leaders remained active during the week’s B20 forum, signaling enduring economic ties, with more than 600 U.S. companies operating in the country.
