Absence of US leaders from G20 not the end of the world – Ramaphosa
G20 South Africa – Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability
South Africa hosts the first G20 Summit in Africa, focusing on global issues, while US Secretary of State Marco Rubio skips the event
South Africa Hosts Historic G20 Summit: A New Era for African Diplomacy
The first-ever G20 Summit to be held on the African continent marks a significant milestone in global diplomacy, with South Africa playing host to the meeting of G20 foreign ministers. Under South Africa’s G20 Presidency, the summit is being conducted under the theme of Solidarity, Equality, and Sustainability, with discussions focusing on economic development, global peace, and diplomatic collaboration.
The Role of the G20in Global Governance
The G20 comprises 19 countries including: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Türkiye, United Kingdom, and United States and two regional bodies, namely the European Union and the African Union.
The G20 members include the world’s major economies, representing 85% of global Gross Domestic Product, over 75% of international trade, and about two-thirds of the world population.
The G20 does not have a permanent secretariat or staff. Instead, the G20 Presidency rotates annually among the members. The G20 Presidency is responsible for bringing together the G20 agenda in consultation with other members and in response to developments in the global economy. To ensure continuity, the Presidency is supported by a “troika” made up of the current, immediate past and next host countries
United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio Skips the Summit
One of the most notable absences at the Johannesburg meeting is United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who chose to skip the summit. His absence sparked diplomatic concerns, but South African President Cyril Ramaphosa downplayed the significance, stating in his opening speech:
“The absence of some world leaders is not the end of the world. As long as the G20 family is able to discuss important issues and come out with a declaration, that is what we are aiming for.”
Ramaphosa emphasized that the summit remains an opportunity for Africa to foster greater collaboration with the rest of the world.
G20 Foreign Ministers Meeting Hosted by Minister Ronald Lamola
The Foreign Ministers Meeting is being hosted by Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola at Nasrec Expo Centre on 20 and 21 February 2025. This gathering underlines South Africa’s commitment to diplomatic engagement on the global stage.
The meeting aims to address critical geopolitical and economic challenges, with an emphasis on sustainable development, economic reform, and global peace efforts.
Africa’s Challenges: President Ramaphosa Calls for Immediate Resolution in the DRC and Sudan
Conflicts in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Sudan
During the summit, President Cyril Ramaphosa highlighted conflicts in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Sudan, urging the international community to take immediate action to resolve these crises. He stressed that stability in Africa is crucial for economic progress and called on G20 nations to support African-led solutions to these conflicts.
“We cannot talk about sustainable development and economic growth when parts of our continent are plagued by conflict. The crises in the DRC and Sudan must be addressed urgently with concerted efforts from the international community,” Ramaphosa stated
“The continued conflicts in the DRC and Sudan are major concerns for the African continent. Sustainable peace and stability must be pursued with urgency, and the international community must support efforts to achieve lasting resolutions in these regions,” Ramaphosa stated.
The DRC has been facing persistent violence from rebel groups, with millions displaced due to conflicts over resources and political instability. Meanwhile, Sudan continues to struggle with internal strife, including clashes between rival military factions and humanitarian crises affecting its population..
He urged the African Union (AU) and G20 partners to play a bigger role in peace negotiations and humanitarian aid efforts.
The South African National Defence Force (SANDF). lost 14 peacekeeping soldiers in DRC due to on going conflicts.
South Africa–USA Diplomatic Breakdown: Impact of US Aid Suspension
Tensions between South Africa and the United States escalated after the advocacy group AfriForum lobbied US officials against South Africa’s land redistribution policy. This led to former US President Donald Trump signing an executive order to suspend all aid to South Africa. The land policy aims to redistribute agricultural land to indigenous South Africans, addressing historical inequalities.
Facts About Land in South Africa:
- 70% of arable land in South Africa belongs to white South Africans, who make up only 7.2% of the country’s population.
- The remaining 30% of arable land is shared among 93% of the population.
- As of 2024, the white population in South Africa has declined to 7.2% from 8.9% in 2011 due to emigration and demographic changes.
- The 2022 South African census found that the white population was 7.3% of the total population.
- The white population has been steadily declining over the years. In 2021, Stats SA said that emigration was a key factor in this decline.
- The majority of white South Africans identify themselves as primarily South African, regardless of their first language or ancestry.
- White South Africans who are descendants of European settlers who came to South Africa in the 17th century are known as, “Afrikaners” who are Primary descendants of Dutch settlers who arrived at the Cape of Good Hope in the 17th century; they are sometimes also referred to as “Boers”.
- they speak Afrikaans as the third most spoken language in South Africa.Other population groups in South Africa: Black African: 81.7, Coloured: 8.5, and Indian/Asian: 2.6.
U.S. Investment and Trade Relations at Risk
As of 2024, over 600 U.S. companies operate in South Africa, employing approximately 148,000 people. The U.S. is a key foreign investor in the country, with American corporations such as Ford and General Electric maintaining a strong presence. In 2022, U.S. foreign direct investment in South Africa amounted to $7.4 billion. However, the diplomatic tension threatens trade relations, with the potential suspension of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) deal, which has been instrumental in supporting South African exports to the U.S.
- South Africa is a key destination for US foreign direct investment.
- The African Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa) is a mutually beneficial economic partnership between the US and South Africa.
- South Africa is America’s largest trading partner in Africa.
- Ford has invested more than $1 billion in producing cars in South Africa.
- Citibank is the only US bank with branches in South Africa.
- More than 125 US banks have made loans to South Africa.
- South Africa is regarded as the leading springboard into the rest of the continent.
- South Africa has a highly sophisticated business environment, world-class financial services sector, and excellent transport links.
In Conclusion
Despite diplomatic challenges, South Africa’s hosting of the G20 Summit marks a pivotal moment for Africa’s engagement in global decision-making. President Ramaphosa’s call for peace in the DRC and Sudan, alongside discussions on economic development, underlines the continent’s role in shaping a more inclusive and sustainable future. While tensions with the U.S. remain unresolved, South Africa continues to push forward, leveraging its G20 Presidency to advocate for a fairer international order.
