The diplomatic landscape of the G20, the world’s premier economic forum, has been shaken by a dramatic U.S. decision to exclude South Africa from the 2026 summit in Miami and invite Poland instead. This unprecedented move, confirmed on December 4, 2025, by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, has exposed deepening rifts between Washington and Pretoria while raising questions about the principles underpinning global economic cooperation.
According to Tag24 and IOL, the U.S. announcement came as a surprise to many. Secretary Rubio, in a statement titled “America Welcomes a New G20,” declared, “Poland, a nation that was once trapped behind the Iron Curtain but now ranks among the world’s 20 largest economies, will be joining us to assume its rightful place in the G20.” He went on to praise Poland’s economic transformation, highlighting that its economy recently surpassed $1 trillion, overtaking Switzerland and nearing the size of Saudi Arabia and the Netherlands. Rubio framed Poland’s rise as evidence of the benefits of close partnership with the United States, stating, “Poland’s success is proof that a focus on the future is a better path than one on grievances. It shows how partnership with the United States and American companies can promote mutual prosperity and growth.”
The Secretary of State was equally direct in his criticism of South Africa. Rubio accused Pretoria of “burdensome regulatory and redistributionist policies,” arguing that these had led to economic stagnation. He further alleged that South Africa, during its 2025 G20 presidency, had “undermined U.S. input during its yearlong G20 leadership, tarnishing the forum’s credibility.” According to Rubio, “The contrast with South Africa is stark. The South African economy has stagnated under its burdensome regulatory regime driven by racial grievance and corruption.” He also claimed that Pretoria “routinely ignored US objections to consensus communiques and statements, and blocked input into negotiations from the US and other countries and tarnished the G-20’s reputation.” As a result, South Africa would not be invited to Miami, following the U.S. boycott of the 2025 Johannesburg summit.
The decision comes against a backdrop of mounting tension. Former U.S. President Donald Trump, who boycotted the Johannesburg summit, has repeatedly made unverified claims of “genocide against White Afrikaners” in South Africa—a charge that South African officials have vehemently denied. These allegations were even raised by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa during a visit to the White House in May 2025. The U.S. government’s stance has been seen by many as an escalation of its criticisms of South Africa’s domestic and foreign policy, including accusations of discrimination against the white minority and the imposition of trade tariffs.
South Africa’s response has been measured, if tinged with disappointment. Presidential spokesman Vincent Magwenya confirmed on December 4 that South Africa would “take a break” from the G20 in 2026, saying, “For now, we will take a commercial break until we resume normal programming.” Magwenya clarified that South Africa did not expect other G20 nations to boycott the U.S. presidency or lobby for Pretoria’s inclusion. “In fact it would be unhelpful if the entire year goes to waste and the G20 is collapsed,” he told the Sunday Times. However, he suggested that other members should “register their displeasure with the US in defense of multilateralism and the spirit and purpose of the G20.”
President Ramaphosa, speaking to media at Johannesburg Golf Club, emphasized that South Africa remained a full G20 member as of early December 2025 and had not yet received formal written notice of exclusion. “We have held a very successful G20. And this is not only being said by us – it is said by many other people around the world. They are saying South Africa’s presidency of the G20 was a very successful process. The declaration that was adopted is a forward-looking declaration that will help drive many of the changes we identified,” Ramaphosa said. He added, “As South Africans, we can say confidently that we held a successful G20. What happens going forward is something we will deal with.”
When asked if he would rally other countries to boycott the Miami summit, Ramaphosa was unequivocal: “No, no, we don’t need to mobilise anyone. We’re not wired that way as South Africa. Every country must make its own decisions. We don’t peddle our role in any way. Countries respect us for what we are, and they applauded our role in the G20.” He further stated, “No, I don’t have sleepless nights. All we want, really, as South Africa, is to be treated as an equal, sovereign country. A country that respects other countries, that fosters their success and prosperity. We wish no country ill. We do not have enemies – we have friends.”
South Africa’s foreign policy, Ramaphosa stressed, is rooted in respect: “We will always treat every country with due regard, respect and great consideration. That is who we are, and that is very much a part of our foreign policy.” The president also expressed confidence ahead of the ANC National General Council, which was scheduled for December 8-12, 2025, despite reports of political maneuvering within his party.
The 2025 Johannesburg summit, the first G20 meeting held in Africa, was a milestone for the continent. The event, attended by a host of world leaders from both G20 and non-G20 countries, proceeded under the theme of solidarity, equality, and sustainability. Notably, South Africa refused to hand over the G20 leadership to a junior U.S. diplomat, insisting that the transfer be made only to a head of state, minister, or senior envoy. The handover was eventually completed quietly at South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation in Pretoria. The summit’s declaration was widely seen as forward-looking, with a focus on issues such as international financial stability, climate change mitigation, and sustainable development.
The U.S., having formally assumed the 2026 G20 presidency in December 2025, has pledged to “return the G20 to focusing on its core mission of driving economic growth and prosperity.” Washington’s agenda will emphasize cutting regulatory burdens, securing energy supply chains, and driving technological innovation. However, the exclusion of South Africa, a full member, has raised concerns about the future of multilateralism and the integrity of the G20 as a forum that represents 85 percent of global GDP and two-thirds of the world’s population.
As the world looks ahead to the Miami summit, the absence of South Africa—a country that has played a pivotal role in championing the interests of the Global South—will be keenly felt. Whether this episode signals a lasting shift in the G20’s values or simply a passing storm in an increasingly turbulent world order remains to be seen.