Cyril Ramaphosa Condemns Disinformation Campaign Which Led to United States’ Absence From G20 Summit

Published 30 Nov 2025

by Byron Pillay

3 min read

President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the nation about the recently concluded G20 Summit in South Africa
The president discussed the decision of the United States of America not to attend the summit based on misinformation
Ramaphosa also called on South Africans to solve their own problems and not rely on other nations to do so

Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the disinformation campaign spread by some groups, which led to the USA not attending the G20 Summit. Image: Jemal Countes
Source: Getty Images

Briefly News journalist Byron Pillay has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He spent 10 years working for the Northern Natal Courier before transitioning to online journalism.

GAUTENG - South African problems should be solved by the citizens of the country themselves.

That was the statement from President Cyril Ramaphosa during a State of the Nation Address on 30 November 2025. The president called for a family meeting to discuss the recent Group of 20 Summit in South Africa.

During his address, Ramaphosa noted the United States of America’s absence from the event over false information. Donald Trump previously stated that no US official would attend the event due to the white genocide taking place in the country.

President discusses the campaign of disinformation

While discussing the US’s absence from the summit, Ramaphosa noted that it was influenced by a sustained campaign of disinformation by groups and individuals within South Africa, the US and elsewhere.

The president called on this to stop, saying that it was indirectly harming the country.

“These people who are spreading disinformation are endangering and undermining South Africa’s national interests, destroying South African jobs and weakening our country’s relations with one of our most important partners,” he said.

He added that it was regrettable that the US, which is a founding member of the G20 and which takes over the presidency from South Africa, chose not to participate in the summit because of the false narrative.

Ramaphosa reiterated the need for dialogue so that South Africans could solve their own problems without having to involve other nations.

What you need to know about claims made against South Africa

The FW De Klerk Foundation has rubbished Donald Trump's claims about racial discrimination.
Donald Trump deleted a tweet claiming that South Africa was a dangerous place.
The US State Department has explained why they are unhappy with South Africa at the moment.
The US President offered citizenship to farmers and their families if they don’t feel safe in South Africa.
Elon Musk claimed on X that the media weren’t reporting on the genocide in South Africa.

Trump says South Africa should lose G20 spot

Briefly News reported that Trump shared his thoughts on South Africa's role as a member of the Group of 20 major economies.

The President of the United States of America suggested that the country should not even be a part of the G20 anymore.