Image Source: Daily Express US
World – South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation has taken note of United States (US) Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s remarks about the country’s policies and its role in the upcoming G20 Summit in Johannesburg.
Recently, Secretary Rubio tweeted that he would not attend the G20 Summit. He accused South Africa of using the platform to promote “solidarity, equality, and sustainability” while “doing bad things.” He further argued that these discussions do not align with US national interests and dismissed them as a waste of taxpayer money.
“South Africa is doing very bad things. Expropriating private property … My job is to advance America’s national interests, not waste taxpayer money or coddle anti-Americanism.”
In response, Minister Ronald Lamola pushed back against claims of arbitrary land grabs, stating that South Africa’s approach is similar to eminent domain laws in other countries, including the United States. He emphasised that private property is not seized without due process or fair compensation.
“There is no arbitrary dispossession of land / private property. This law is similar to the Eminent domain laws.”
Minister Lamola reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to democracy, human dignity, and equality. He clarified that the country stands by its values of non-racialism and non-sexism “while placing our constitution and the rule of law at the forefront.”
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US Attacks on South Africa
On Sunday, US President Donald Trump threatened to cut aid to South Africa over concerns about the recently enacted Expropriation Act. He claimed that “South Africa is confiscating land and treating certain classes of people VERY BADLY,” and described the situation as a “massive Human Rights VIOLATION.”
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa dismissed these claims, reiterating, “The recently adopted Expropriation Act is not a confiscation instrument, but a constitutionally mandated legal process that ensures public access to land in an equitable and just manner as guided by the Constitution.”
Despite the criticism, Minister Lamola reiterated that South Africa remains open to discussions with the US. He stressed that the country’s leadership of the G20 is not limited to climate change but also focuses on ensuring fair treatment for nations in the Global South.
“These are important principles that we remain open to pursue and engage the United States on … 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.”
