CAPE TOWN, South Africa — South Africa’s president has expressed confidence that the Group of 20 (G20) has strong mechanisms in place to withstand any potential shifts towards an America First policy under the new Donald Trump administration. This statement was made on Tuesday as South Africa took on the rotational presidency of the G20, transitioning leadership from Brazil. The presidency will pass on to the United States at the conclusion of 2025.
Over the next year, these three nations will collaborate according to the established G20 protocols. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa indicated that his country’s leadership will focus significantly on the implications of climate change for developing countries—a topic that could be contentious given Trump’s previous dismissal of international collaboration on climate issues.
When asked how the G20 plans to adapt to a potentially isolationist stance from the incoming administration, Ramaphosa reassured that they would aim to reach a consensus on important decisions. He stated, “I think there will be sufficient shock absorbers that will be put in place that will enable the G20 to continue to function. … We are advancing the interests of the people of the world.”
Trump has hinted at a confrontational foreign policy direction, including plans to levy new tariffs on nations such as China, Mexico, and Canada. Notably, he also threatened to impose 100% tariffs on countries within the BRICS coalition, which encompasses Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. This weekend, Trump noted on a social media platform that these nations should expect to “wave goodbye to selling into the wonderful U.S. Economy” if they opt to reduce their reliance on the U.S. dollar for international transactions. Although BRICS member countries have expressed a desire to lessen their dependency on the dollar, experts argue that actual implementation poses considerable challenges due to the dollar’s prevailing position in global trade.
On Tuesday, Ramaphosa shared that he had reached out to congratulate Trump on his electoral success, hoping to entice the golf enthusiast with an invitation for a state visit to experience South Africa’s renowned golf courses. He also expressed a desire for Trump to attend the G20 summit scheduled for late 2025.
“If he has time, and he is very busy … President Trump and possibly myself can go and play golf and talk about global matters,” Ramaphosa added, highlighting the potential for informal discussions between the leaders on crucial global issues.