Pretoria – South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on citizens spreading misinformation about the country to engage in the National Dialogue, following tensions surrounding the G20 Summit and international criticism from the United States.
Speaking to the nation on Sunday, Ramaphosa reflected on South Africa’s year-long G20 Presidency, describing the diplomatic recognition earned as “a currency that no economy can print.” He thanked South Africans for their support in hosting the summit, which he said showcased African leadership as “dignified, strategic and people-centred.”
The president addressed claims made by former US President Donald Trump, who criticised South Africa over human rights issues involving minority groups and suggested excluding the country from next year’s G20 preparations. Ramaphosa dismissed these claims as “baseless and false allegations” and attributed them to “blatant misinformation.” He reaffirmed South Africa’s full participation in G20 plans and offered “nothing but goodwill and friendship” to the United States, recalling the US’ role in ending apartheid and inspiring South Africa’s constitution.
Turning to domestic concerns, Ramaphosa said groups spreading disinformation were harming the country’s international relations and weakening the economy. Without naming any organisations, he urged all South Africans, including those propagating such messages, to bring their concerns and solutions to the National Dialogue. “We must never allow others to try to redefine our country or cause divisions among us,” he said.
AfriForum, a civil society group, has led international campaigns highlighting farm attacks and the treatment of Afrikaners. Its head of public relations, Ernst van Zyl, recently addressed the United Nations Forum on Minority Issues in Geneva, discussing race-based legislation in South Africa.
On the G20 Summit, Ramaphosa praised it as a victory for multilateralism and a platform for global economic progress. He thanked the City of Johannesburg for preparations and urged that the momentum be carried forward. International agreements resulting from the summit include increased funding for climate change initiatives, support for South Africa’s Just Energy Transition, and the establishment of a global panel on inequality modelled on the UN climate panel. “We will work to advocate and to fight for a more equal world,” he said.
Discussion about this post