Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on Wednesday that he would not attend the upcoming G20 summit of foreign ministers in Johannesburg, South Africa, later this month, citing the host nation’s increasingly strained relations with the United States. Rubio pointed to South Africa’s recent foreign policy decisions, particularly its alignment with countries seen as adversarial to American interests, as the primary reason for his decision.
He wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter), “I will NOT attend the G20 summit in Johannesburg. South Africa is doing very bad things. Expropriating private property. Using G20 to promote ‘solidarity, equality, & sustainability.’ In other words: DEI and climate change. My job is to advance America’s national interests, not waste taxpayer money or coddle anti-Americanism.”
The controversy centers around South Africa’s “anti-Americanism,” a term Rubio used to describe the country’s foreign relations, which often favor nations like Russia, China, and Iran. This sentiment has been exacerbated by South Africa’s role in defending Palestinian terrorists and its increasingly supportive stance toward authoritarian regimes. In addition, President Donald Trump has criticized South Africa’s policies on racial redistribution, labeling them a human rights violation.
Rubio’s decision also highlights broader concerns about South Africa’s handling of economic issues, particularly in regard to the Expropriation Act, which has sparked debates about property rights and economic stability. Critics argue that South Africa’s policies could harm foreign investment and exacerbate existing tensions between the country and its international partners.
During his speech at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa called for a global commitment to “equality,” but this vision has raised concerns among critics like South African economist Phumlani Majozi. Majozi expressed his dissatisfaction with the G20 summit theme of “Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability,” arguing that it is misguided in the context of the pressing global challenge of poverty, particularly in Africa.
The United States, as the next G20 president, will assume leadership of the international economic forum in December 2025, following South Africa’s presidency.
The timing of Rubio’s announcement was notable, as it came just hours before President Ramaphosa’s State of the Nation address. South African journalist Carol Paton noted the shift in international perception, with Washington now closely monitoring the country’s policies and rhetoric. As tensions rise, there is increasing pressure on South Africa’s leadership to navigate its foreign policy with greater pragmatism and diplomatic finesse.
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It is long past the time for America to ignore the positions of other Country’s blatant and subtle shifts toward China, Russia, Iran, Venezuela and others while seeking our economic aid and assistance! They offer no quid pro quo policies and practices.
Dictatorial and non Democratic nations should not expect help from civilized countries with advanced economies.