The grim reality of Johannesburg will be showcased at the G20 Leaders’ Summit this year (2025), held on November 22–23, 2025, at the Johannesburg Expo Centre (Nasrec). Anyone who has been to Nasrec will testify under oath what a colourless and grim place this is. But the real grim reality is that there will be an elephant in the room.
United States President Donald Trump gave a clear reason for not attending the G20 summit in Johannesburg, South Africa. He stated that South Africa should not be part of the G20, calling it “a total disgrace” that the summit would be held there.
One thing’s certain: everyone at the G20 will be talking about America’s absence — at the G20.
You won’t be able to pass the koeksisters without someone whispering something about America.
The U.S. president framed the South African issue early in his administration. True to his word, he won’t back out of his own storyline. The American view of South Africa is realistic: a narrative of corruption, racism, failing human rights, land seizure and moral degradation. A failed state.
Some South Africans quietly agree with all of this — normally while balancing a plate of chops at a braai.
Others think the American president is a reckless buffoon.
Let’s be reminded what the G20 actually is: a forum of the world’s major economies — 19 countries plus the EU. It exists to keep global financial stability intact, coordinate crisis responses (it shone during 2008), and set broad policy direction on trade, climate, development and investment.
How exactly did South Africa get into this club? No one says it out loud, so let’s say it here.
South Africa joined the G20 in the early 2010s as Africa’s representative — the only African member. Not because it’s the biggest economy on the continent (that’s Nigeria). Not the fastest-growing (pick Rwanda, Ethiopia, Côte d’Ivoire). But because it was viewed as a “regional leader” and an “emerging market with global influence.” Those phrases ring hollow now.
Today, South Africa is not only a member — it holds the G20 Presidency for 2025.
The first African country ever to do so. Probably half the continent quietly wonders why they weren’t invited instead.
Nigeria, with its massive economy.
Rwanda, the continent’s poster child for turnaround.
Kenya, Egypt, Morocco — all making real economic strides.
Meanwhile South Africa is attending summits with potholes, no water, visible poverty in almost every street.
South Africa should stick with its own cozy gang: BRICS — Russia, China, India, Brazil.
Perhaps it’s about time another African country had a turn representing the continent in the world’s premier economic forum.
The U.S. president isn’t the only one skipping Johannesburg.
China — the world’s number two — is sending someone who isn’t the president.
A polite diplomatic decline, perhaps showing solidarity with America?
You really need to count your friends when the main representative of the biggest economy in the world stands on principle and doesn’t attend the G20 in South Africa. The message is clear — South Africa needs to get its act together.
Will it ever?
