Johannesburg: South Africa’s Foreign Minister, Ronald Lamola, has stated that the U.S. has yet to respond to the country's efforts to discuss President Donald Trump's recent decision to halt financial assistance. Meanwhile, China has stepped forward to offer support.
Earlier this month, Trump cut aid to South Africa, citing opposition to its land reform policies and its decision to take Israel to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) over alleged genocide in Gaza. Despite repeated attempts to engage Washington through diplomatic channels, South Africa has not received a response.
In the meantime, South Africa is strengthening diplomatic ties with other nations, including China. According to Lamola, Beijing has expressed solidarity and a willingness to support South Africa, particularly in trade relations.
The issue of U.S. aid is surfacing just ahead of South Africa's hosting of the G20 foreign ministers' meeting this week. U.S. Senator Marco Rubio has already expressed disapproval of South Africa’s chosen theme, “Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability”, but Lamola emphasized that the agenda will not change.
Despite concerns that South Africa’s trade benefits under the U.S. African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) could also be at risk, Lamola reaffirmed that the country remains committed to its stance.
South Africa has positioned itself as non-aligned in global power struggles, maintaining relationships with the U.S., the EU, China, and Russia. However, its refusal to condemn Russia over Ukraine and its ICJ case against Israel have put it at odds with Washington.
While still seeking dialogue with the U.S., Lamola stressed that South Africa must prepare for any outcome. "We have to be realistic and plan for all scenarios," he said, adding that both the land reform policy and the ICJ case against Israel remain "non-negotiable."
