Trump’s G-20 Snub: South Africa’s Setback or BRICS’ Opportunity?

South Africa’s historic moment as the first African host of the G-20 has been overshadowed by a major diplomatic rift. The absence of key US officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, has raised concerns about Washington’s commitment to multilateral institutions under President Donald Trump.

With Trump already pulling the US out of the World Health Organization and the Paris Climate Accord, his latest snub raises the question: Is he disengaging from the G-20 entirely? And if so, will this shift global influence toward BRICS and the Global South?

South Africa’s G-20 Presidency: A Reform Agenda in Jeopardy?

President Cyril Ramaphosa has positioned South Africa’s G-20 leadership around reforming global institutions, emphasizing inclusivity for the Global South. However, Trump’s stance has disrupted Pretoria’s agenda.

According to South African officials, there is growing concern that Trump may even skip the G-20 Leaders’ Summit in November to further undermine South Africa’s role.

South African Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Chrispin Phiri remains firm, stating:
“It is imperative that post-World War II institutions evolve to reflect the new global order where the Global South is central, not a footnote.”

Why Is Trump Snubbing South Africa?

Trump’s friction with South Africa stems from policy disagreements, including:

• Land Expropriation Laws – Trump and his South Africa-born adviser Elon Musk have falsely claimed the laws target White farmers, despite government assurances that they align with global eminent domain practices.
• Diversity & Climate Policies – Rubio publicly criticized South Africa’s G-20 leadership for promoting “DEI and climate change efforts.”
• Geopolitical Tensions – South Africa’s case against Israel at the International Criminal Court (ICC) over alleged genocide has further strained relations with Washington.

Trump has responded by cutting US aid to South Africa and offering refugee status to the Afrikaans-speaking minority, signaling an escalation in tensions.

Will Trump’s Moves Strengthen BRICS?

While Trump’s disengagement weakens the G-20, it may inadvertently empower BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa).

Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira has warned that Trump’s policies undermine multilateralism, while China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi has called for strengthening the United Nations as a counterbalance.

India remains cautious, recognizing that a weaker G-20 could elevate BRICS but also reduce New Delhi’s ability to balance between global powers.

What’s Next for the G-20?

With South Africa hosting the summit and the US set to assume the next G-20 presidency, the future of the forum remains uncertain. Analysts argue that if Trump continues to withdraw, he may cede influence to emerging powers like China and Russia.

“The US is powerful, but it’s not what it once was,” says foreign policy analyst Sanusha Naidu. “We’re in a world with no single center of power.”

As the November summit approaches, all eyes are on Trump. Will he double down on his rejection of the G-20, or will economic realities force a recalibration? South Africa, meanwhile, remains determined to push forward, with or without Washington’s blessing.

Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter , TikTok and Instagram

For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com