South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has pushed back against recent remarks by former U.S. President Donald Trump, stating that South Africa “will not be bullied” over its land reform policies. Trump’s criticism, which suggested that South Africa was unfairly seizing land from certain groups, came without evidence but stirred controversy on the international stage.
Ramaphosa Responds to Trump’s Claims
Trump’s comments focused on South Africa’s land reform laws, which aim to address long-standing inequalities in land ownership stemming from the country’s apartheid history. However, in his annual address to the nation, Ramaphosa dismissed such allegations, though he refrained from mentioning Trump directly.
“We are witnessing the rise of nationalism, protectionism, and self-interest over the pursuit of common goals,” Ramaphosa said. “But as a nation, we will stand together and defend our sovereignty with one voice.”
G20 Tensions and U.S. Backlash
Trump wasn’t the only U.S. official to weigh in on the matter. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio also expressed his discontent, going so far as to boycott the upcoming G20 summit in Johannesburg. This move is particularly significant because South Africa recently became the first African country to assume the G20 presidency, marking a historic moment for the continent.
Political Shifts and Economic Plans
Meanwhile, South Africa’s political landscape is evolving. For the first time since the end of apartheid, the ruling African National Congress (ANC) has had to form a coalition government after losing its outright majority. In a rare partnership, it has joined forces with its long-time rival, the Democratic Alliance, to maintain power.
On the economic front, Ramaphosa has laid out ambitious plans to revitalize state-owned enterprises responsible for electricity and transport while increasing infrastructure investment. His administration is aiming for an economic growth rate of over 3%, though the country’s central bank currently projects a more modest 1.8% expansion for the year.
As South Africa navigates these challenges, Ramaphosa remains firm in his stance that his country will not bow to external pressure and will continue pursuing policies that address historical injustices while strengthening the economy.
