"President Cyril Ramaphosa criticised the United States for its absence from the G20 summit on Sunday, calling for constructive dialogue amid escalating tensions over President Donald Trump's claims 'white genocide' in South Africa. "It is regrettable that the United States of America, which is a founding member of the G20 and which takes over the Presidency of the G20 from South Africa in 2026, chose not to participate in the G20 Leaders' Summit," Ramaphosa stated in an address from Pretoria. "It is even more unfortunate that the reasons the US gave for its non-participation were based on baseless and false allegations that South Africa is perpetrating genocide against Afrikaners and the confiscation of land from white people. This is blatant misinformation about our country," he continued. Ramaphosa also responded to Trump's plans to exclude South Africa from the 2026 summit in Miami, emphasising the country's position as a founding member of the forum. "South Africa is therefore a member of the G20 in its own name and right. We will continue to participate as a full, active and constructive member of the G20," he stressed. The President claimed that the United States' allegations have been fueled by "a sustained campaign of disinformation by groups and individuals" within South Africa, aimed at undermining the country's national interests. "We are a country that has a tradition of dialogue, that has an enduring ability to come together to confront the challenges we face. South African problems must be solved by South Africans themselves," he continued. Ramaphosa added that despite the 'challenges and misunderstandings' between Washington and Pretoria, South Africa will remain an 'unwavering friend of the American people.' Last week, Ramaphosa concluded the G20 summit held in Johannesburg, formally handing over the presidency to the United States, which will host next year's gathering. More than 40 countries and international institutions took part in the summit. US President Donald Trump boycotted the event, accusing South Africa of persecuting the Afrikaner white minority, a claim Ramaphosa has strongly rejected."