ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula has expressed elation over the Democrats' victories in the US midterm elections, winning control of both the Senate and House of Representatives. Mbalula accused US President Donald Trump of being "very nasty" towards South Africa, citing his administration's recent decision to terminate South Africa's eligibility for the African Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa). The ANC has welcomed the Democrats' wins, which Mbalula believes will have implications for US policy towards South Africa.
Mbalula's comments come after the Office of the US Trade Representative announced its intention to terminate South Africa and Rwanda's eligibility for Agoa, effective from 1 January 2027. The US Trade Representative cited concerns over barriers to US trade and investment, as well as practices that threatened US national security and foreign policy interests in the region. Mbalula acknowledged that the Agoa decision would have economic consequences for South Africa but expressed satisfaction at the Republicans' election losses.
According to Mbalula, the South African government had engaged with the White House to challenge claims of a genocide against white South Africans, but Trump had refused to listen. Mbalula claimed that Trump believed white South Africans were being killed, despite reassurances from white South Africans themselves that this was not the case. The ANC secretary-general criticized Trump's stance on South Africa, saying he had not been "a nice fellow" to the country.
Mbalula also criticized Trump's policies, including the war with Iran, which he believed had contributed to the rising cost of living in South Africa. He suggested that Trump's friends in South Africa, including Corné Mulder and AfriForum, had influenced US policy towards South Africa. Mbalula's comments reflect a strained relationship between the ANC and Trump administration.
The Democrats' wins in the US midterm elections have been seen as a significant setback for Trump's Republican Party. Mbalula expressed satisfaction at the outcome, saying he was "over the moon" and "elated" by the results. While Trump will remain in office for another two years, Mbalula believes the election results will have implications for US policy towards South Africa.
The ANC's relationship with the Trump administration has been tense, particularly over issues like Agoa and claims of a genocide against white South Africans. Mbalula's comments reflect a desire to distance the ANC from Trump's policies and to welcome a potential shift in US policy under a Democratic administration. The implications of the US midterm elections for US policy towards South Africa remain to be seen.
The US midterm elections have significant implications for US policy towards Africa, including South Africa's eligibility for Agoa. Mbalula's comments highlight the ANC's concerns over Trump's policies and its desire for a more constructive relationship with the US. As the Trump administration continues to navigate its relationships with African countries, the ANC will be watching closely for any shifts in US policy.
Key points
- The ANC has welcomed the Democrats' victories in the US midterm elections, which have significant implications for US policy towards South Africa.
- Mbalula accused Trump of being "very nasty" towards South Africa, citing his administration's recent decision to terminate South Africa's eligibility for Agoa.
- The ANC's relationship with the Trump administration has been tense, particularly over issues like Agoa and claims of a genocide against white South Africans.
