Delivering the SONA on Thursday, President Cyril Ramaphosa said SA would not be “bullied”. Picture: IOL
Tensions between South Africa and the United States intensified this week following remarks from President Cyril Ramaphosa in response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s threats.
Speaking during his State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Thursday, Ramaphosa declared: “We are not daunted. We will not be deterred. We are a resilient people. We will not be bullied. We will stand together as a united nation and speak with one voice in defence of our national interests, sovereignty, and our constitutional democracy.”
The tiff escalated after Trump announced the suspension of aid funding to South Africa in response to the recently signed Expropriation Act. Trump condemned the South African government for what he claimed was the “confiscation” of land and mistreatment of certain groups.
While this was a primary reason cited by Trump, other factors, such as South Africa’s stance on the Gaza Genocide, may also be influencing the dispute.
Civil rights activist Devin Barrington Ward, speaking in an interview with Newzroom Afrika, suggested that South Africa’s outspoken position on Gaza could also be fuelling Trump’s actions.
“This decision is just part of a broader set of decisions that this president is going to be making over the next few months and years into his presidency, to retaliate against those who have taken a stand against genocide in the Middle East,” he said.
In his SONA, delivered at the Cape Town City Hall, Ramaphosa reaffirmed South Africa’s dedication to the Palestinian cause.
“South Africa continues to stand in solidarity with the people of Palestine, who, having endured decades of illegal occupation, are now experiencing indescribable suffering,” Ramaphosa stressed.
