Cape Town – The United States has confirmed it will send a delegation to the G20 summit in South Africa, but only to formally receive the G20 presidency handover — not to participate in official talks.
This follows President Cyril Ramaphosa’s announcement that the US had signalled possible attendance, which he described as a “very positive” development.
We have received notice from the United States with regards to participation in the G20 Leaders’ Summit. Discussions are ongoing. #G20SouthAfrica pic.twitter.com/xnQJ4X5iOI
— Cyril Ramaphosa 🇿🇦 (@CyrilRamaphosa) November 20, 2025
However, the White House swiftly rejected this, with press secretary Karoline Leavitt criticising Ramaphosa for “running his mouth” and stressing that the US will not engage in G20 discussions.
“I saw the South African president running his mouth a little bit against the United States and Donald Trump earlier today and that language is not appreciated by the president or his team,” Leavitt said while addressing the media.
“The ambassador, or the representative of the embassy in South Africa is simply there to recognise that the United States will be the host of the G20. They are receiving that send-off at the end of the event.”
#WATCH | Washington, DC | On the United States boycotting the G20 Summit in South Africa, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt says, “… The United States is not participating in the official talks at the G20 in South Africa. I saw the South African President running his… pic.twitter.com/nEKSrRxpns
— ANI (@ANI) November 20, 2025
A diplomatic note shared online indicated that US chargé d’affaires Marc Dillard, along with seven others, would attend the handover.
BREAKING: Here is the note verbale written by the Embassy of the US to DIRCO about sending a delegation to participate in the handover ceremony at the #G20Summit. President @CyrilRamaphosa has just confirmed the u-turn on the boycott a short while ago. @Newzroom405 pic.twitter.com/HmqVTZBGia
— Ziyanda N (@ZiyandaNgcobo) November 20, 2025
Ramaphosa’s spokesperson insisted the President will not hand over the G20 presidency to a chargé d’affaires.
The tensions come amid renewed criticism from President Donald Trump, who said he would not attend the G20 because he believes South Africa’s “policies on the extermination of people” are “unacceptable,” accusing the country of “behaving extremely badly.”
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
