President Cyril Ramaphosa says he is prepared to hand over the G20 presidency to the United States (US), even if it means placing the documents on an empty chair should President Donald Trump or any US representative fail to attend.

Also read: ANC slams Trump’s “racist and imperialist” remarks as AU backs South Africa’s G20 leadership

Ramaphosa reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to engaging with the US, describing it as an important trading partner despite recent diplomatic tensions.

“The empty chair will be there and we will probably symbolically hand over to that empty chair and talk to Trump and say even if you are not here, I am handing over to you. The G20 will continue, whether they are here or not.”

Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema says the summit will be successful even without US participation, sending a message to Trump that he is not the ultimate authority in world affairs. Malema added that Trump is aware there is no genocide in South Africa.

“There is a bit of crime in the country, but to say that there is a genocide is completely misplaced. Donald Trump does not know politics; he survives through those who hero-worship him.”

Cabinet has stressed that South Africa is ready to host the summit in Nasrec, Johannesburg, next week.

Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni confirmed that the country has held 130 preparatory meetings without incident, achieving significant consensus on Africa’s development, and assured that the summit will run smoothly.

“Comprehensive safety and security plans for the Leaders’ Summit are being managed and coordinated by the relevant security structures. A G20 State of Readiness media briefing will be held on Sunday, 16 November 2025, to update citizens and global stakeholders, including milestones achieved since South Africa’s G20 Presidency in November 2024.”