ANC secretary general Fikile Mbalula says the United States, under Donald Trump, is actively trying to isolate South Africa for reasons he described as “imperialist” and rooted in misinformation.
Speaking on the sidelines of the ANC’s 16th regional conference on Thursday, Mbalula said the Trump administration was treating South Africa as though it were “a sub‑state of the United States” and not a sovereign nation.
Mbalula argued that Washington’s posture amounted to an attempt to undermine South Africa’s independence.
He said it had become “very clear” that there was a daily “determination coming from that side to isolate our country.”
He added that the South African government was already working to diversify its international partnerships in response.
He accused the Trump administration of targeting South Africa “for imperialist reasons” and claimed the US had boycotted the G20 “for no reason.”
Mbalula argued that the targeting of South Africa was based on misinformation.
”South Africans, black and white, have been telling the American administration there is nothing called genocide in South Africa.
“So, on the basis of misinformation, they are on the rampage, targeting a peaceful nation, a democratic state,” he said.
Mbalula emphasised that South Africa had concluded a free and fair election, formed a government within 14 days and established a government of national unity.
“No dictatorship, flourishing democracy,” he said, questioning why such a country would be targeted “for reasons that cannot be clearly explained.”
He also criticised what he described as a local “fringe” that had travelled to the United States and made damaging claims about the country.
When asked about possible sanctions, Mbalula said the Trump administration’s actions, including boycotting the G20 and pressuring South Africa on alleged human rights issues, were effectively attempts at economic and diplomatic isolation.
He argued that their actions had contributed directly to the pressure South Africa was now facing. “These are the consequences we are reaping today as a result of their actions,” he said.
Mbalula stressed that the ANC would defend the country’s sovereignty.
“That is what we are saying as the ANC, that we are not a sub‑state of another state. Anything is possible from those people,” he said.
“They don’t think, if you can just wake up and isolate a peaceful nation like this for no reason, anything is possible.”
Despite his criticism of the Trump administration, Mbalula insisted that ordinary Americans supported South Africa and rejected Trump’s approach.
“We know that in America, citizens of the United States are with us, and they condemn what Trump is doing,” he said. He added that Trump’s term was limited.
“Trump will be there for two years. This madness will go.”
Mbalula said many Americans had stood with South Africa during the struggle against apartheid and would “be with us with this madness of the Trump administration.”
Politics
