South Africa has responded to United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s newsletter on Substack.
In the newsletter Rubio criticised Pretoria, stating that Washington will not tolerate what he describes as the “radical” ANC-led government. He also condemned South Africa’s focus on climate change, diversity, and inclusion during its presidency of the Group of 20 (G20).
In a break from long-standing tradition, the G20 Leaders’ Summit last month adopted a declaration addressing the climate crisis and other global challenges right at the start of their meeting.
Despite weeks of tough negotiations and the absence of the United States, South Africa managed to achieve a consensus based on its own terms.
The G20 declaration commits major economies to combat global inequality, reform international financial systems to alleviate debt pressures on developing countries, and promote inclusive growth, with a particular focus on Africa and the broader Global South.
It also emphasises climate action, renewable energy transitions, and enhanced multilateral cooperation to advance peace, sustainability, and development globally.
However, on Wednesday, Secretary of State Rubio announced that the United States is moving forward with a new G20.
“America’s G20 will propel us forward with innovation, entrepreneurship and perseverance that make America great and provide a roadmap of prosperity to the world. We’re ready to lead the way in Miami,” he wrote.
In addition, the United States officially invited Poland to participate in the G20 summit, which will take place in 2026 in Miami, Florida, while excluding South Africa.
International Relations and Cooperation Minister, Ronald Lamola, has in a statement defended South Africa’s leadership of the G20 and rejecting suggestions that the country undermined consensus within the forum.
Lamola congratulated the United States on assuming the G20 Presidency but said Rubio’s remarks required an honest response.
“Your words compel me to speak, not merely as a representative of a government, but as a voice from a nation whose very existence is a testament to a profound truth: that the deepest divides can be bridged… not through unilateral action but global solidarity,” he wrote.
He stressed that South Africa, as a founding member, “has no unilateral right to be excluded from the G20”.
Highlighting the philosophy behind South Africa’s G20 Presidency, Lamola said the country approached its leadership with the belief “that treating Africa and the Global South as equal partners and that it was not an act of charity, but a strategic imperative for a stable, prosperous world”.
He said the success of the summit was rooted in South Africa’s creation of “a hospitable environment in the true spirit of Ubuntu”, citing international delegates who praised the warm reception.
The Minister rejected the United States’ claims that South Africa sabotaged the consensus, noting that “the United States chose not to attend our G20 meetings”.
He argued that the purpose of the forum was not forced agreement but ensuring “everyone leaves feeling they have been truly heard”.
Addressing Rubio’s criticism of South Africa’s domestic policies, Lamola stated that the country’s transformation agenda is rooted in its Constitution and history.
“Our policies of redress are not a political invention. They are the fulfilment of a promise made to all South Africans as we emerged from the darkness of apartheid,” he said, quoting former President Nelson Mandela on the need to change the “excessive concentration of power in a few white hands”.
He countered claims that the government promotes racism or threatens Afrikaner farmers, insisting this was “further from the truth”.
He pointed to growth in the agricultural sector and rising exports, adding that “no country with land grabs and invasion would reap such success.”
Land reform, he said, is pursued through a just and equitable approach that maintains property rights and investor confidence.
He highlighted the country’s socio-economic progress since 1994, including improved access to electricity and water, as well as rising human development indicators.
While acknowledging past challenges such as State Capture, he said describing the South African economy as a failure was “an exaggeration”.
Lamola urged a more respectful tone in international engagement.
“The world is growing weary of double standards… We do not seek your approval for our path… but we do seek, and we will always extend, a hand of respectful partnership.”
Click here to read Minister Lamola’s full letter. – SAnews.gov.za
