US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said he will not attend the G20 foreign ministers’ meeting in Johannesburg. Picture: AFP
THE Minister of International Relations and Co-operation, Ronald Lamola, has pushed back against the criticism directed at South Africa and the upcoming meeting of the G20 foreign ministers, which is set to be held in Johannesburg this month.
Lamola pointed out that South Africa was a sovereign state with laws governing it.
This criticism stems from US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who posted on X (formerly Twitter) that he would not be attending the meeting, implying that it would be a waste of time as it would address issues that the USA considers meaningless, such as diversity programmes and climate change.
South Africa is scheduled to host the G20 foreign ministers’ meeting from February 20 – 21 in Johannesburg, having assumed the G20 presidency from December 2024 to November 2025.
Reuters reported that Rubio stated in his post on X, without providing specific details, “South Africa is doing very bad things. Expropriating private property. Using G20 to promote solidarity, equality, and sustainability. In other words: DEI and climate change.”
Rubio’s announcement follows recent comments made by US President Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk, both of whom have also attacked South Africa.
Trump claimed on Sunday, without citing evidence, that “South Africa is confiscating land” and that “certain classes of people” were being treated “very badly.” He further stated that he would cut funding until the matter was investigated.
In response to Trump’s threats, Reuters reported, President Cyril Ramaphosa defended South Africa’s land policy, asserting that the government had not confiscated any land and that the policy aims to ensure equitable public access to land.
Minister Lamola said, “We are a sovereign and democratic country committed to human dignity, equality, and rights, championing non-racialism and non-sexism while placing our constitution and the rule of law at the forefront. There is no arbitrary dispossession of land or private property.
“This law is similar to the Eminent Domain laws. Solidarity and ubuntu promote collective problem-solving. Our G20 Presidency is not confined to just climate change but also focuses on equitable treatment for nations of the Global South, ensuring an equal global system for all.”
Dr Noluthando Phungula noted that Rubio’s absence from this year’s G20 summit is expected.
“The show will go on regardless of Rubio’s attendance. As predicted, a Trump presidency will surely utilise every avenue possible to further the American stance on everything. This year, South Africa chairs the G20, and it seems the USA is in attack mode.
“Unfortunately, the US is acting and making serious decisions based on unfounded assumptions and allegations. Frankly, both Trump and Rubio are acting like little toddlers throwing out their toys. I would not be surprised if he does not attend. African countries, holistically, have an opportunity to reflect and move from over-reliance on other states.”
Associate Professor Vishwas Satgar of the Department of International Relations at Wits University said it is clear Trump is looking to reshape US foreign policy towards crude world dominance, not just America’s domination over the world, but white supremacist dominance.