US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will not attend the upcoming G20 foreign ministers’ meeting in South Africa, a decision that comes just days after President Donald Trump threatened to cut US funding to the country over its land reform policies.
South Africa is set to host the G20 foreign ministers’ meeting from February 20-21 in Johannesburg, a key diplomatic event where global leaders will discuss economic cooperation, trade policies, and geopolitical challenges. However, Rubio’s decision to withdraw reflects growing tensions between Washington and Pretoria.
According to Reuters, the move follows Trump’s claim—made without citing evidence—that South Africa is confiscating land and treating ‘certain classes of people’ unfairly. The president announced that US funding to the country would be suspended until the issue was investigated.
South Africa pushes back against US criticism
President Cyril Ramaphosa quickly responded to Trump’s remarks, defending his government’s land expropriation law, which was signed in January. He rejected accusations that land was being seized unjustly, stating that the policy aims to ensure fair land distribution while respecting property rights.
‘The government of South Africa has not confiscated any land,’ Ramaphosa said in response to Trump’s statements. ‘This is about correcting historical injustices and ensuring equitable access to land for all citizens.’
Despite this defence, Rubio took to X (formerly Twitter) to double down on his criticism, linking South Africa’s policies to broader ideological debates in the US.
‘South Africa is doing very bad things. Expropriating private property. Using G20 to promote “solidarity, equality, & sustainability.” In other words: DEI and climate change,’ Rubio posted, without elaborating further.
His remarks align with Trump’s broader push to dismantle diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programmes, which he has branded as ‘anti-merit’ initiatives.
Elon Musk joins the debate over land reform
Trump’s stance was echoed by South African-born billionaire Elon Musk, who accused the country—without evidence—of implementing ‘openly racist ownership laws’ that allegedly target white landowners.
The issue of land ownership remains one of South Africa’s most contentious political topics, rooted in the colonial and apartheid-era dispossession of Black South Africans. According to a 2017 land audit, white landowners control 75 percent of South Africa’s freehold farmland, while Black South Africans—who make up 80 percent of the population—own just 4 percent.
Ramaphosa’s government argues that its land redistribution efforts are necessary to correct historical imbalances and promote inclusive economic growth. The recently passed Expropriation Act allows the state to seize land ‘in the public interest,’ but officials insist that any expropriation will be lawful and fair.
Diplomatic fallout: US-South Africa relations at risk
According to Reuters, Rubio’s decision to skip the G20 meeting signals growing diplomatic strain between the two countries. The event is expected to focus on economic recovery, climate change policies, and trade agreements, but the US absence raises concerns about future cooperation.
South Africa’s G20 presidency places it at the centre of major global economic discussions, making Rubio’s withdrawal a significant diplomatic move.
Meanwhile, Trump’s threat to cut US funding to South Africa has sparked concerns among policymakers, NGOs, and aid organisations. In 2023, the US committed $440 million in assistance to South Africa, with a major portion allocated to HIV/AIDS prevention programs under PEPFAR.
Despite Secretary of State Rubio’s absence, South African officials have said they remain committed to engaging with international partners and addressing global challenges at the G20 forum.
What’s next for US-South Africa relations?
The future of Washington’s diplomatic engagement with Pretoria remains uncertain. If Trump follows through on his threats to cut aid, the impact could be severe for South Africa’s economy, healthcare programmes, and trade relations.
For now, Rubio’s decision to withdraw from the G20 meeting serves as a symbol of deteriorating relations between the US and South Africa, with land reform at the heart of the dispute.
