'SA-US relations won't improve, put it behind you'

With US President Donald Trump determined to punish South Africa — ostensibly over the Israeli-Gaza genocide case - Pretoria has been advised by an expert to accept that relations with his administration are unlikely to improve and SA should move on.

- Eric Mthobeli Naki

This follows the latest salvo from the White House, which has barred South Africa from participating in next year’s G20 summit in the United States.

President Cyril Ramaphosa described Trump’s statement as “regrettable”.

Ramaphosa’s spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, said as a founding member, South Africa has always valued the spirit of consensus, collaboration and partnership that defines the G20 as the premier forum for international economic cooperation.

The US was expected to participate in all G20 meetings but elected not to attend in Johannesburg.