The ANC has condemned what it calls “false, inflammatory, and racially charged” remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump, following his claims of “genocide” and “persecution” of white Afrikaners and his announcement that he would boycott the upcoming G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg.

Trump announced the boycott in a post on Truth Social this past Friday.

President Trump on Truth Social that no US Govt official will attend the G20 in South Africa as long as Afrikaners are being killed.#sabcnews pic.twitter.com/U0fQRNUrih

— Sherwin Bryce-Pease (@sherwiebp) November 7, 2025

Trump’s Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, later doubled down, claiming Afrikaners have been continuously subjected to violent racial discrimination by the South African government.

He applauded Trump for his decision “not to waste taxpayer dollars sending our diplomats to the G20 while this heinous violence continues.”

In a sharply worded statement on Saturday, the ANC described Trump’s comments as part of a “long and disgraceful pattern of imperial arrogance and disinformation,” accusing him of exploiting racial fear for political gain in the United States.

“South Africa is a sovereign and constitutional democracy governed by the rule of law,” the ANC said.

“We uphold the rights, safety, and dignity of all our citizens while redressing the injustices of our past. Our transformation agenda is not driven by race, but by the imperative of justice and equality.”

The party said Trump’s remarks reflected a “dangerous and regressive worldview” consistent with his past defence of white supremacists and derogatory comments about African nations. “His latest comments on South Africa are an extension of this worldview, one that sees African progress as a threat,” the ANC added.

The statement comes as South Africa prepares to host the G20 Leaders’ Summit under the theme “Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability.” The ANC said the summit would showcase Africa’s voice on the world stage, focusing on issues such as debt relief, development, climate justice, and fair trade.

“The success of the summit will not be defined by who refuses to attend, but by the shared determination of nations that believe in multilateralism based on respect and equality.”

Meanwhile, the African Union Commission also issued a statement congratulating South Africa on assuming the G20 Chair and hosting the summit, the first to be held on African soil.

The AUC praised South Africa’s leadership in advancing the priorities of the Global South and promoting sustainable development, inclusive governance, and human rights.

“South Africa is a vibrant democracy that upholds equality, human rights, and the rule of law,” the Commission said, adding that the country’s diversity and unity remain “a source of national strength and global admiration.”

The African Union also called on international partners to engage with South Africa and the continent “based on mutual respect, truth, and constructive cooperation,” reaffirming Africa’s commitment to global peace, development, and prosperity.

The G20 Leaders Summit takes place in Johannesburg on 22 and 23 November. The United States is set to assume the G20 presidency next year.