Marco Rubio Declines G20 Attendance Amid Tensions Between The US And South Africa
- US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced he will skip the G20 Summit, citing disagreements with South Africa's policies.
- Rubio criticized South Africa for expropriating private property and accused the nation of using the summit to push for global solidarity, equality, and sustainability.
- South Africans largely welcomed Rubio's decision, with many expressing hope that he avoids visiting their country altogether.
Tebogo Mokwena, a seasoned political analyst affiliated with Briefly News, has spent nine years providing insightful analysis and interviews on local and international politics for prominent South African outlets such as Daily Sun and Vutivi Business News.
JOHANNESBURG — The decision by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio not to attend the G20 Summit in South Africa has sparked a mix of reactions across the country. Many South Africans remain unfazed by his choice, especially after former US President Donald Trump announced plans to cut all aid to South Africa. For some, this move feels like more of the same old rhetoric from Washington, but for others, it’s an opportunity to reaffirm national sovereignty and resilience.
What Did Rubio Say?
In a direct tweet from his official X account, @SecRubio, Marco Rubio made it crystal clear that he wouldn’t be flying into Johannesburg for the G20 Summit scheduled for November 2025. His reasoning? A strong critique of South Africa’s approach to property rights and what he perceives as an overemphasis on promoting global solidarity, equality, and sustainability during the event. Echoing earlier sentiments from Donald Trump, Rubio reiterated concerns about South Africa's land expropriation policies, which he claims undermine private ownership. He argued that these actions send the wrong message on the international stage and questioned the nation’s commitment to economic stability.
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"South Africa is doing very bad things. Expropriating private property. Using the G20 to promote solidarity, equality, and sustainability. In other words: DEI and climate change."
You can check out the full X tweet here.
What You Need to Know About the US-South Africa Relationship
- Under Donald Trump’s presidency, the US briefly lifted an aid ban imposed on low-income countries, including South Africa, but tensions have lingered.
- President Cyril Ramaphosa has pushed back against allegations that South Africa’s Expropriation Bill threatens private property rights, insisting it aims to address historical injustices.
- Afriforum, a prominent advocacy group in South Africa, has called on the US government to target the African National Congress specifically rather than punishing the entire nation for perceived governmental missteps.
South Africans React
Rubio’s announcement didn’t go unnoticed, with South Africans taking to social media to voice their opinions. While some expressed indifference, others used the moment to highlight broader geopolitical tensions and historical grievances.
Neil Higgs chimed in with a measured response:
"Dear sir. I regret to advise you that you are grievously misinformed."
Lunathi Kilani offered a more pointed critique:
"Let's be real. This has nothing to do with our Expropriation Bill, which is now the Act President Ramaphosa signed. This is just a gift to Benjamin Netanyahu—plain and simple. It's payback for our principled stance against the genocidal crimes committed by Netanyahu and Israel."
Malume added fuel to the fire:
"South Africa should lose the US embassy and all its consulates."
Maredi Mphahlele provided a broader perspective:
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"This has nothing to do with RSA. The USA never wants to sit at a table with peer equals."
Julius Malema Defends Expropriation Amid Trump's Threats
In related developments, Briefly News highlighted how Economic Freedom Fighters leader Julius Malema staunchly defended South Africa's right to pursue expropriation without compensation. His comments came after Donald Trump vowed to cut aid to South Africa due to the Expropriation Act. Malema emphasized that no amount of pressure or threats from the US would deter South Africa from addressing land inequality and rectifying past injustices. In response, South Africans took to social media to mock Trump’s stance, further illustrating the complex relationship between the two nations.
