Dr. Reneva Fourie
SOUTH Africa's tensions with the United States have brought the rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape into sharp focus. Donald Trump's second inauguration as the 47th president on 20 January 2025 sent shockwaves across the international community. Within his first hundred days, he aggressively pursued the 'Make America Great Again' (MAGA) agenda, exacerbating global instability.
His administration imposed tariffs on Canada and Mexico and then delayed them. He dismantled critical US foreign aid programmes. He introduced a ceasefire in Gaza, only to later endorse a return to hostilities against the people of Palestine and Lebanon. While he initiated peace talks between Russia and Ukraine, he escalated airstrikes against Yemen. Additionally, he is contemplating travel restrictions on at least 40 countries, most of which are located in Africa. Most alarmingly, he has withdrawn from the Climate Change Convention and other vital UN agencies and threatened to annex the Panama Canal and Greenland.
On the domestic front, Trump has wielded executive power in unprecedented ways within contemporary American politics. He revoked security clearances from former government leaders, initiated a purge within the FBI to remove perceived adversaries, banned transgender individuals from serving in the military, and granted sweeping pardons to those involved in the 6 January insurrection. Furthermore, he is systematically dismantling federal institutions while empowering allies, like Elon Musk, to influence governance, and has committed to launching the most extensive deportation programme in US history. These autocratic trends represent a significant erosion of democracy, the rule of law, and minority rights.
Amid this upheaval, the Trump administration is focusing on South Africa, levelling unfounded accusations against the government. Based on misinformation spread by entities like AfriForum, Solidarity, the Democratic Alliance, and the Cape Independence Advocacy Group, Trump has cut all US aid to South Africa and instructed the US delegation to boycott G20 sectoral preparations held in the country. More aggressively, the South African Ambassador to the US, Ebrahim Rasool, was declared persona non grata.
Trump's administration has set absurd conditions for restoring relations with South Africa, such as dropping the International Court of Justice case against Israel, severing ties with Iran, and reducing trade with China. These demands sharply contradict South Africa’s established foreign policy principles and constitute a direct disregard for the country’s sovereignty. The challenging circumstances are compelling South Africa to reflect on whether it can uphold its longstanding status as a global moral compass, at the risk of potential trade reductions and job losses. Alternatively, the country might seek a more nuanced approach to balance these competing interests.
To navigate this diplomatic crisis successfully, South Africa's response must be shaped by a long-term vision that protects national interests without succumbing to pressure from a waning global hegemon. While it may lack military or economic superpower status, South Africa still possesses significant moral authority on the world stage.
THEN ANC Deputy President Nelson Mandela (left) greets President Oliver Tambo at the first ANC national conference held in Durban on July 2, 1991.
Image: AFP
South Africa is well-equipped to win the struggle to maintain dignity and sovereignty. Much of the international support prevalent today can be attributed to the groundwork done by iconic figures like Oliver Tambo and Nelson Mandela. They skilfully navigated the challenges of the anti-apartheid struggle and rallied global backing for a renewed vision for South Africa after 1994. Today, South Africa needs a similar level of diplomatic finesse to balance its domestic requirements and relations with the US and to avoid global isolation.
Trump's polarising governance style is stirring mounting opposition, and there is a strong possibility that he will not secure re-election. In the short term, however, he can potentially cause significant damage. The turbulence imposed by Trump necessitates an alternative approach that leverages South Africa's diplomatic networks to mitigate any economic or diplomatic losses that may occur due to his hostility.
Despite the Trump administration's belligerence, South Africa remains a formidable player in global diplomacy. US institutions, civil society organisations, and businesses that remain committed to democracy and international cooperation must be engaged. Many US-based entities admire South Africa's democratic values and remain sympathetic to its challenges.
Furthermore, strengthening bilateral and multilateral relations beyond the US is also vital. South Africa continues to wield considerable influence, as demonstrated by its effective presidency of the G20 and robust engagements with the European Union. Moreover, international actors – including parliamentarians from across the world – have voiced their disapproval of Trump's treatment of South Africa. The shift towards a multipolar world, underscored by the growing influence of BRICS Plus, presents an opportunity for South Africa to diversify its international partnerships.
Additionally, Trump's disregard for Africa underscores the necessity of a cohesive continental response. Strengthening African Union initiatives by advancing Agenda 2063, including implementing the African Continental Free Trade Area and aligning more closely with regional partners, will bolster South Africa's diplomatic resilience.
South Africa must assert an unwavering stance on both domestic and foreign policies. Its commitment to adherence to international law and multilateralism should remain non-negotiable. The world has seen the consequences of Trump's policies. Countries that have suffered under his administration's erratic leadership are potential allies in countering US unilateralism and advocating for a fairer international order.
Successfully navigating this period of turbulence in US-SA relations requires bold, resolute leadership. The policy incoherence within the GNU needs to be dealt with. All GNU members have endorsed the Statement of Intent and the National Development Plan, and violations of its objectives should not be tolerated. Those within South Africa's leadership who have direct or indirect business ties with the US and Israel must be prevented from compromising the country’s interests. Moreover, non-state actors that tarnish the country's reputation must face appropriate consequences.
If political leadership wavers, every South African citizen must actively safeguard our nation's sovereignty. We must ensure that our government remains committed to upholding our fundamental rights and freedoms while advocating for a fair and equitable global order. This collective vigilance and participation are essential in holding our leaders accountable and demanding policies that reflect our values and aspirations on the international stage.
* Dr Reneva Fourie is a policy analyst specialising in governance, development and security and co-author of the book ‘The Art of Power: Pursuing Liberation and Nation-Building’.
** The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of IOL or Independent Media.