By 
Ronald Lamola, the South African Minister for the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) is unfazed by the remarks of United States of America (USA) Secretary Marco Rubio who said he will not attend the G20 summit in South Africa.
Following the wide spread allegation that South Africa is taking land arbitrarily from its white citizens, and the subsequent comment by USA President Donald Trump and suspending financial aid to South Africa due to the laws that discriminate against the white race, Marco Rubio has withdrawn from attending the G20 summit for foreign ministers in Johannesburg to be held from 20 to 21 February 2025.
Rubio said on his X account, South Africa is doing bad things, expropriating private property; using the G20 to promote “solidarity, equality and sustainability,” in other words DEI and climate change.
“My job is to advance America’s national interests, not waste taxpayer money or coddle anti-Americanism,” said Marco Rubio.
Reacting to this, Lamola sought to clarify the misunderstanding and even pointed the US to its similar law as that of expropriation in South Africa. Lamola affirmed that South Africa remains firm on its stance regarding expropriation and its position on the G20 agenda.
“We are a sovereign and democratic country committed to human dignity, equality, and rights, championing non-racialism and non-sexism while placing our constitution and the rule of law at the forefront.
There is no arbitrary dispossession of land / private property. This law is similar to the Eminent domain laws. Solidarity / Ubuntu promotes collective problem-solving. Our G20 Presidency, is not confined to just climate change but also equitable treatment for nations of the Global South, ensuring an equal global system for all.
These are important principles that we remain open to pursue and engage the United States on,” said Lamola.
