South Africa’s foreign minister on Thursday rejected US criticism of Pretoria’s G20 presidency, warning that the world is growing weary of double standards.
Ronald Lamola said democracies must listen as much as they speak, responding to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s online post accusing Pretoria of obstructing G20 negotiations.
Rubio described the contrast between the US and South African G20 presidencies as stark, alleging that Pretoria ignored objections, undermined consensus and damaged the forum’s credibility.
He claimed the US would not invite South Africa to participate during Washington’s presidency, insisting that disagreement is acceptable but sabotage is not.
Lamola countered that Washington chose not to attend South Africa’s G20 meetings, arguing that suggesting Pretoria sabotaged talks misrepresents the forum’s purpose.
He stressed that South Africa’s role as host was to create conditions for agreement rather than impose one on unwilling members.
Rubio argued that South Africa could rejoin the “family of prosperous and free nations” once it fixes what he called its broken system, a remark that drew sharp rebuttal.
Lamola reminded Washington that South Africa is a founding G20 member and that no single nation can unilaterally exclude another from the group.
He said Pretoria remains committed to dialogue and maintains hope for balanced relations rooted in shared humanity.
Rubio also accused South Africa of scapegoating citizens, tolerating violence against white Afrikaners and confiscating land without compensation, echoes of long-standing claims widely dismissed in Pretoria.
Lamola insisted South Africa does not seek US approval for its political path, which he said is defined by its people and sovereign laws.
He added that Afrikaner farmers remain vital to national food security and noted that the farming sector has more than doubled in value since 1994.
He said no country marked by land grabs and invasion could achieve such agricultural growth.
