Trump Snubs Joburg: Says SA “Shouldn’t Be in the G20”

Loading player...
US President Donald Trump has sparked a diplomatic storm after dismissing South Africa’s place in the G20 and vowing to boycott this month’s leaders’ summit in Johannesburg. Speaking at a business forum in Miami, Trump claimed South Africa is “going in the wrong direction” and argued it no longer deserves a seat among the world’s major economies. “I’m not going. I told them I’m not going,” he said, insisting the summit “shouldn’t be there.” South Africa, currently leading the G20 for the 2024–2025 term a historic first for the continent will host global leaders on November 22–23, with a focus on economic reform, equitable growth and elevating the voice of the Global South. Phemelo unpacks the fallout with Dr. Oscar van Heerden, Senior Research Fellow in African Diplomacy and Leadership at the University of Johannesburg.
20 Nov 2025 4PM English South Africa Education · Careers

Other recent episodes

Joburg tables R97.1bn budget as city battles financial pressure

The City of Johannesburg has unveiled a R97.1 billion budget aimed at stabilising finances while maintaining service delivery. Deputy Mayor and Finance MMC Loyiso Masuku says the budget prioritises infrastructure, essential services and long-term financial sustainability despite mounting concerns about the metro’s fiscal health. Phemelo speaks to Masuku about how…
1 Jun 3PM 19 min

Metrobus cuts services as rising diesel costs bite

Thousands of Johannesburg commuters could face longer waits and fewer buses after Metrobus announced service reductions from Monday. The transport operator says years of budget cuts and escalating diesel prices have forced it to scale back off-peak and low-demand routes. Phemelo speaks to Metrobus Managing Director Dr Bongani Radebe about…
1 Jun 3PM 9 min

DA lays criminal charges over luxury jet trip and alleged tender links

Fresh questions are being raised over a R3.5 million private jet trip to London taken by former Ekurhuleni City Manager Dr Imogen Mashazi. The DA has opened criminal charges against Mashazi and businessman Ze Nxumalo following reports alleging links between the trip and companies that secured municipal tenders. Phemelo gets…
1 Jun 3PM 5 min

EFF backs ANC to pass Joburg’s R97.1bn budget

Johannesburg Council has passed the city’s R97.1 billion “pro-poor” budget after the EFF voted alongside the ANC in a 139–92 decision. The heated debate saw the DA and ActionSA slam the budget, while the IFP urged councillors to treat the city’s finances as a “moral obligation.” In a moment that…
28 May 2PM 35 min

What to Watch: Star Wars, Pressure and Rise ’76 reviewed

In this week’s What to Watch feature, film critic Leroy Marc unpacks the latest entertainment picks, including Star Wars and Pressure, both now showing in cinemas, as well as Rise ’76 at the Market Theatre from 17–19 June.
28 May 2PM 19 min