Ramaphosa says the US might do a 180 on attending the G20 in South Africa

President Cyril Ramaphosa has confirmed that the United States may reverse its decision to skip the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg.

Speaking at a South Africa–European Union meeting in Sandton on Thursday, Ramaphosa said Pretoria had received notice from Washington, and discussions on the matter are ongoing.

“We have received notice from the United States… about a change of mind about participating in one shape or form or other in this summit,” Ramaphosa said.

He noted that the notice came “at a late hour” in the summit’s preparations, necessitating further discussions to determine the feasibility and implications of their participation from a practical standpoint.

However, the chair “is theirs” as founders of the G20, noted the President.

Ramaphosa described the potential shift as a welcome development. “Boycott politics never work. It is always better to be inside the tent than outside.”

“The tent is the G20, and all countries, including the United States, the world’s largest economy, need to be here,” he said.

The president added that talks are ongoing to clarify how the US’s late involvement will be implemented.

The unexpected turnaround raises questions about what prompted the decision and how it might affect negotiations at Nasrec, where South Africa is pursuing an agenda focused on inequality, gender and climate justice, and global cooperation.

The US has said that the current agenda is “not aligned” with US policies.

The development comes after US President Donald Trump had previously announced that America would boycott the summit, citing “bad things” happening in South Africa.

This is over disputes including alleged discrimination against white Afrikaners, South Africa’s ICJ case against Israel, climate policies, and issues in global trade.