South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has strongly condemned the United States for spreading what he described as blatant misinformation about alleged killings of white citizens in his country.
In a televised address on Sunday night, Ramaphosa dismissed repeated claims by US President Donald Trump alleging a so called “white genocide” against Afrikaners. The minority group is descended from European settlers and has been at the centre of several false narratives circulated internationally.
The dispute deepened after the US boycotted last weekend’s G20 summit in Johannesburg. President Trump later announced that South Africa would not be invited to the next G20 meeting, which he plans to host at a family owned golf resort in Miami.
Ramaphosa said Washington’s explanation for its absence was built on baseless accusations that South Africa was persecuting white citizens or seizing their land.
According to him, “This is blatant misinformation about our country. The reasons given for the non participation of the United States are false and without foundation.”
He said the misinformation was being pushed by organised groups both within South Africa and abroad, with the aim of damaging the country’s global image and weakening economic ties with key partners.
“These people who are spreading disinformation are endangering our national interests, destroying South African jobs and weakening our relationship with one of our most important partners,” Ramaphosa said.
Despite the tensions, the president stressed that Pretoria remains open to constructive talks with Washington.
He said South Africa is prepared to continue engaging the US government with respect and dignity as an equal sovereign nation.
