Cyril Ramaphosa has dismissed reports that South Africa was snubbed ahead of the upcoming G7 summit in France, saying it is normal for non-member nations not to attend.
Speaking amid claims that his invitation had been withdrawn, Ramaphosa stressed that participation in the G7 is not guaranteed for countries outside the bloc. “There should be no surprise if we are not there,” he said, noting that South Africa has attended some summits in the past only when invited.
The controversy follows reports that the United States had pressured France to rescind the invitation, with suggestions that President Donald Trump could boycott the summit if Ramaphosa attended. However, French officials have firmly denied any external influence on their decision.
Paris confirmed it has instead invited Kenya, along with other guest nations including India, Brazil and South Korea, as part of efforts to broaden global economic dialogue.
Earlier, a South African presidency spokesperson had suggested the country’s exclusion followed sustained US pressure. But Ramaphosa later contradicted that account, saying he had received no indication of such interference.
The development comes against a backdrop of strained relations between Washington and Pretoria, with disagreements over trade, foreign policy and domestic issues. Despite this, South Africa has emphasised that its ties with France remain strong and unaffected.
Officials say efforts to stabilise relations with the US are ongoing, while Pretoria continues to engage with global partners on key economic and diplomatic issues.
