Kaya 959 Point of View with Phemelo Motene

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

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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

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