Cape Town – Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, has reaffirmed the country’s commitment to sovereignty, democracy, and the rule of law following US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s decision to skip the G20 summit in Johannesburg.
Rubio cited South Africa’s land expropriation law and policies as reasons for his absence, calling them anti-American.
“I will NOT attend the G20 summit in Johannesburg.
“South Africa is doing very bad things. Expropriating private property. Using G20 to promote “solidarity, equality, & sustainability.” In other words: DEI and climate change.
“My job is to advance America’s national interests, not waste taxpayer money or coddle anti-Americanism,” Rubio wrote on X.
I will NOT attend the G20 summit in Johannesburg.
South Africa is doing very bad things. Expropriating private property. Using G20 to promote “solidarity, equality, & sustainability.” In other words: DEI and climate change.
My job is to advance America’s national interests, not…
— Secretary Marco Rubio (@SecRubio) February 5, 2025
Lamola, however, rejected claims of arbitrary land dispossession, comparing the law to eminent domain regulations.
He emphasised South Africa’s dedication to human rights, nonracialism, and equality, while advocating for global equity and fair treatment of the Global South within the G20 framework.
“We are a sovereign and democratic country committed to human dignity, equality, and rights, championing non-racialism and non-sexism while placing our constitution and the rule of law at the forefront,” the minister said in a statement.
“There is no arbitrary dispossession of land / private property. This law is similar to the Eminent domain laws.
We are a sovereign and democratic country committed to human dignity, equality, and rights, championing non-racialism and non-sexism while placing our constitution and the rule of law at the forefront. pic.twitter.com/7nYNHD3TEY
— Minister: International Relations and Cooperation (@RonaldLamola) February 6, 2025
“Solidarity / Ubuntu promotes collective problem-solving. Our G20 Presidency, is not confined to just climate change but also equitable treatment for nations of the Global South, ensuring an equal global system for all.
“These are important principles that we remain open to pursue and engage the United States on.”
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
