President Cyril Ramaphosa says US President Donald Trump will be the “biggest loser” for choosing not to attend the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg next weekend.
Speaking to the media on the sidelines of the Kliptown Cleanup Campaign in Soweto today, Ramaphosa reacted to Trump’s announcement that neither he nor any senior US official will participate in the summit — a decision analysts warn could further isolate Washington at a time of heightened global economic uncertainty.
Ramaphosa insisted the G20 gathering will proceed successfully without Trump.
“If you boycott an event or process, you are the biggest loser,” he said.
He added that key discussions on energy reform, trade resilience and geopolitical stability would continue with or without US representation.
“The summit will go on. We are not going to stop because they are not here. So anybody who pulls out or boycotts is the loser — the caravan always moves on.”
Ramaphosa also responded to questions regarding the absence of Chinese President Xi Jinping, who will not attend due to domestic commitments.
“President Xi has been to South Africa six times… that alone shows his commitment to South Africa,” Ramaphosa said.
He stressed that South Africa respects China’s decision, adding that Beijing will still be represented by senior officials and remains a key strategic partner.
Despite the absence of two major world leaders, preparations for the summit are in full swing. More than 60 heads of state have confirmed attendance, while several others will send high-level delegations to discuss global economic recovery, climate financing and multilateral cooperation.
