By Twink Jones Gadama
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has fired back at US President Donald Trump, telling him to focus on resolving America’s own problems instead of interfering in South Africa’s affairs. The remarks come after Trump threatened to cut off all aid and impose sanctions on South Africa over the alleged mistreatment of white residents who remained after the apartheid era.
In a statement, Ramaphosa told Trump to “stick around there in the White House” and focus on addressing the many challenges facing America. “We are not interested in being lectured by anyone, let alone a president who has a track record of divisive and discriminatory policies,” Ramaphosa said.
Trump’s comments, posted on his social media platform Truth Social, claimed that “certain classes of people” – a reference to white farmers – were being mistreated in South Africa. He also expressed concern about the “large-scale killing of white farmers” in the country.
However, Ramaphosa dismissed Trump’s claims as “misinformed” and “based on a flawed understanding of the situation in South Africa.” He pointed out that the South African government has taken steps to address the issue of farm murders, including establishing a task team to investigate and prevent such crimes.
Ramaphosa also accused Trump of trying to deflect attention from his own administration’s failures. “It is clear that President Trump is trying to divert attention from his own government’s failures, including its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and its divisive policies,” Ramaphosa said.
The South African government has also rejected Trump’s threat to impose sanctions, saying that it would not be intimidated by such tactics. “We will not be bullied or intimidated by anyone, including President Trump,” said Naledi Pandor, South Africa’s Minister of International Relations.
The row between Ramaphosa and Trump has sparked widespread condemnation from South Africans and international leaders. Many have accused Trump of trying to interfere in South Africa’s internal affairs and of promoting a divisive and racist agenda.
The African National Congress (ANC), South Africa’s ruling party, has also weighed in on the controversy, accusing Trump of being “ignorant” and “arrogant.” “President Trump’s comments are a clear example of his ignorance and arrogance,” said ANC spokesperson Pule Mabe. “He has no right to lecture us on how to run our country.”
The controversy has also sparked a heated debate on social media, with many South Africans and international leaders expressing their outrage and disgust at Trump’s comments.
As the row continues to escalate, it remains to be seen how the situation will unfold. However, one thing is clear: the South African government will not be intimidated by Trump’s threats and will continue to stand up for its sovereignty and dignity.
In related news, the South African government has announced that it will be reviewing its relations with the US in light of Trump’s comments. “We will be reviewing our relations with the US to ensure that they are aligned with our values and interests,” said Pandor.
The move has been welcomed by many South Africans, who see it as a necessary step to protect the country’s sovereignty and dignity. However, it remains to be seen how the situation will unfold and what impact it will have on relations between South Africa and the US.
