South Africa’s former Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Naledi Pandor, has expressed disappointment over the criticism aimed at the country, particularly in light of recent remarks by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Rubio announced on social media that he would be skipping the G20 summit in Johannesburg later this month, accusing South Africa of “doing very bad things.”
South Africa, which holds the G20 presidency, is set to host the summit in Johannesburg on February 20-21.
In response to the growing tensions in the bilateral relations between South Africa and the United States, Pandor emphasised the need for Pretoria to intensify its diplomatic efforts with Washington, ensuring that South Africa’s position on key issues is communicated clearly.
“I hope that our minister of international relations is speaking to Secretary Rubio, broadly the State Department, senior officials through the director general of our department in South Africa, really to engage and to inform.”
Pandor, recognised for her diplomatic expertise, suggested that significant diplomatic efforts should be focused on repairing ties with the United States.
She highlighted that South Africa has strong, loyal allies in Washington who could help convey the country’s true stance on transformation-related matters at the heart of the ongoing tensions.
Pandor also pointed out that as the largest economy in Africa, South Africa should not be surprised by the international attention its policies attract.
“We are a very important country on the African continent, we have the largest economy, we are a country that has always attracted international commentary and interest. We shouldn’t be surprised at the interest in our country.”
Rubio’s social media post read: “I will NOT attend the G20 summit in Johannesburg. South Africa is doing very bad things. Expropriating private property.”
He criticised the G20 summit’s agenda, which includes promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), as well as sustainability.
“My job is to advance America’s national interests, not waste taxpayer money or coddle anti-Americanism,” Rubio added.
DEI has been a point of contention, particularly with former President Donald Trump, who has heavily criticised the concept.
Political analyst Gideon Chitanga told reporters that the United States has taken an increasingly adversarial stance toward South Africa.
Rubio’s comments followed President Trump’s criticism of South Africa’s land reforms, which aim to address historical land inequalities stemming from apartheid.
Chitanga also noted that Washington has voiced disapproval of South Africa’s growing ties with China and its active role in the BRICS forum.
He further pointed to the country’s neutral position on the Russia-Ukraine conflict as another source of tension.
Chitanga speculated that the US’s aggressive stance could be driven by a “vindictive, punitive” desire to punish South Africa for its foreign policy positions, particularly regarding its relationship with Israel.
He made a distinction between the Israeli government, led by Netanyahu, and the people of Israel, suggesting that the US government’s close ties with Netanyahu’s administration play a significant role in the tension.
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