G20 Summit Boycotted by the US Closes in South Africa

Loading player...
Africa’s first-ever G20 wrapped in Johannesburg with a joint pledge on climate action and reducing inequality despite the US boycotting the meeting. President Cyril Ramaphosa said the declaration proved “shared goals” outweighed political rifts, after Donald Trump refused to attend over a debunked claim about attacks on white South Africans. The traditional G20 handover didn’t happen and will now take place next week at a lower level. Dr Sithembile Mbete joined Phemelo to unpack the politics behind the boycott and what the summit means for Africa.
24 Nov 2025 3PM English South Africa Education · Careers

Other recent episodes

Bronkhorstspruit water remains unsafe despite rehabilitation progress

The City of Tshwane says work to rehabilitate the Bronkhorstspruit Water Treatment Works is progressing, with support from Rand Water, but the water remains unsafe for consumption. Mayor Nasiphi Moya says outstanding work, public health monitoring and water quality testing must be completed before a safe supply can be restored…
3 Nov 1PM 10 min

What voters need to know about South Africa’s 2026 local government elections

With South Africans heading to the polls, Phemelo speaks to Rivonia Circle Director Tessa Dooms about what voters need to know before casting their ballots. They unpack the role of local government, how the voting process works, the powers of councillors and how mayors are elected. The discussion also explores…
2 Nov 2PM 46 min

IEC reports over 780,000 special votes on first day

More than 780,000 South Africans cast their ballots on the first day of special voting ahead of Wednesday’s local government elections. The two-day process allows eligible voters who cannot reach polling stations on election day, including the elderly, people with disabilities and essential workers, to vote early. Kaya News reporter…
2 Nov 2PM 10 min

Israel election dispute and uncertainty over South Africa’s AGOA status

Israel’s election commission says the general election results will stand despite allegations of foreign interference, after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud party questioned the outcome without providing evidence. Meanwhile, South Africa faces uncertainty over its continued eligibility for the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which provides preferential access to…
2 Nov 2PM 10 min

WaterCAN calls for urgent intervention in Joburg water crisis

WaterCAN is calling on President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Water Coordination Committee (WaterCom) to urgently intervene as parts of Johannesburg endure prolonged water outages, with some communities reportedly without supply for up to 10 days. The organisation says residents are increasingly frustrated, with protests taking place across the city, and is demanding…
2 Nov 2PM 14 min