Johannesburg: South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said his government is in discussions with the United States about possible participation in the upcoming G20 summit in Johannesburg, even as the White House insists that President Donald Trump will not attend.

Ramaphosa said South Africa had received notice from Washington suggesting that the US may be considering some form of involvement. He explained that the message arrived only days before the summit, and South Africa is now trying to understand what the US position really means.

However, a White House official firmly rejected the idea of a change in plan. The official said reports about US participation were false and confirmed that the administration still does not intend to join the summit discussions. According to the official, the United States will only take part in the formal handover of the G20 presidency.

The disagreement has created confusion as South Africa prepares to host the first G20 summit on African soil. Ramaphosa has openly stated that he does not want to pass the presidency to what he called an empty chair, urging the United States to reconsider its decision.

The US absence has raised concerns among diplomats and analysts. Many believe it could weaken global cooperation at a time when the G20 is expected to discuss climate challenges, financial pressures on developing nations and the need for stronger support for African economies.

Reports also indicate that Washington has warned South Africa that it will not support any official summit document that is released without its agreement. This could cause further complications as member countries work to finalise the meeting’s outcomes.

Despite the uncertainty, South Africa says it will continue preparations and hopes all major partners will engage in some capacity. Observers say the situation highlights deeper tensions between the United States and global institutions at a time when many countries are calling for stronger multilateral action.