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The prospects of ordinary South Africans are suffering because of the dispute between the governments of President Donald Trump of the United States of America and President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa.

That is why Solidarity today, on the eve of the G20 Summit in Johannesburg, called on these governments to work earnestly to resolve the dispute between the two countries after the conclusion of the summit.

The American boycott of the G20 Summit has already cast a serious shadow over the event, as it has probably also contributed to the decision by heads of state from countries such as China, Argentina and Indonesia to stay away and instead send someone else from their governments to the summit.

According to Jaco Kleynhans, head of public liaison at Solidarity, hosting a summit of this nature is a major opportunity for any country and, although the weekend’s summit still offers rich opportunities for South Africa, it also represents a missed opportunity. 

“With six of the 20 heads of state from G20 member countries not attending, there is no doubt that a damper has been placed on the summit. Since the first leaders’ summit in 2008, never before have so many heads of state not personally attended the summit. This is regrettable and creates the perception in many countries that South Africa’s geopolitical influence is waning.”

The Solidarity Movement (Solidarity and AfriForum) maintains good relations with the Trump administration in the US and has already, over the past two weeks, made proposals to the Americans on how the dispute can be resolved. 

“It is clear that there is indeed frustration in the White House and in the American government in general about the ongoing dispute. President Trump’s escalation of the crisis has nothing to do with his alleged hatred of South Africa, but rather with the fact that he feels South Africa’s government is not responding seriously to his demands. 

“South Africa’s numerous missteps in foreign relations and the recent insulting language used by high-ranking South African government officials towards the Trump administration have had a destructive effect on relations,” says Kleynhans.

Solidarity is now calling on both countries’ governments to address the dispute seriously. 

“Ordinary South Africans are paying a heavy price for the fight between the two countries’ governments. We believe that the Trump administration is making fair demands on the South African government. We also believe that the US is the most powerful country in the world and that the country must be respected for its global position and role. 

“South Africa is a sovereign country and the South African government makes its own policy. However, South Africa’s government will have to seriously reconsider the demands of the Trump administration and ask themselves whether the price of a protracted dispute is really worth it,” says Kleynhans.

Over the next few days, Solidarity will, according to Kleynhans, engage with various role-players attending the G20 Summit. 

“We sincerely hope that the summit proceeds well and that it can lead to greater investment in South Africa. 
When South Africa’s economy performs poorly, everyone suffers, including our members. That is why we once again ask the South African government to work with us in order to find solutions to the dispute with the US. 

“Over the past ten months we have repeatedly reached out to the government, but our offer of cooperation has been repeatedly brushed aside by the Ramaphosa government.”

Issued by Solidarity