ANC’s Lamola: South Africa Won’t Bend to US Pressure on Domestic Laws

ANC NEC Meeting currently underway in Boksburg

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The ANC, led by Minister Ronald Lamola, vows South Africa won’t bend to US pressure on domestic laws, reaffirming sovereignty at its NEC meeting.

In Picture: Minister Lamola and ANC DSG Mokonyane

The African National Congress (ANC) has declared that South Africa will not succumb to pressure from the United States regarding its domestic laws. Speaking at the ANC’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Boksburg, Minister of International Relations Ronald Lamola emphasised the country’s commitment to its sovereignty and transformative policies. This stance comes amid growing tensions between the two nations, sparked by US President Donald Trump’s criticism of South African legislation.

Strained Relations Over Transformative Laws

Tensions between South Africa and the US have escalated since President Trump described certain South African laws as “discriminatory to a minority group”. The laws at the centre of this dispute include the recently signed Land Expropriation Amendment Act and the National Health Insurance (NHI) Bill. These pieces of legislation, championed by the ANC-led government, aim to tackle historical inequalities and improve access to healthcare for all South Africans.

The Land Expropriation Amendment Act allows for land to be expropriated without compensation in specific cases, a policy the ANC says is vital for correcting past injustices. Meanwhile, the NHI Bill seeks to create a unified healthcare system. However, these laws have faced backlash from the US administration and some local groups, who argue they threaten property rights and economic stability.

ANC Stands Firm on Sovereignty

At the NEC meeting held in Boksburg, east of Johannesburg, ANC Deputy Secretary-General Nomvula Mokonyane and Minister Lamola addressed the media on the third day of discussions. They made it clear that South Africa would not back down from its transformative agenda.

“We will not retreat in the face of pressure. We will not bend to misinformation. We will stand for peace, dignity, and a better world because that is the ANC’s historic mission,” Mokonyane told reporters. Lamola added that South Africa’s foreign policy and domestic laws are rooted in the Constitution, the National Interest Document, and the Foreign Services Act, ensuring they align with international human rights standards.

The ANC also dismissed calls from the Democratic Alliance (DA) to review South Africa’s foreign policy under the Government of National Unity (GNU). Lamola stressed that the Constitution remains the supreme law, and existing policies—adopted after extensive consultation—will not be altered to appease external critics.

Global Concerns and Peacebuilding Efforts

The ANC used the NEC platform to voice broader concerns about the rise of right-wing ideologies worldwide, noting their “adverse impact in international politics and in particular the African continent”. The party warned that such trends undermine global solidarity and promote unilateralism, posing risks to the global South.

On the peacebuilding front, the ANC reaffirmed its dedication to resolving conflicts across Africa. The party highlighted its support for efforts in Cabo Delgado (Mozambique), South Sudan, and the Sahel, as well as its role in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) peace processes in the Eastern DRC. South Africa has also been vocal at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), pushing for a ceasefire in Gaza—a stance the US has reportedly pressured South Africa to soften, though the ANC remains unwavering.

Battling Misinformation at Home

Closer to home, the ANC condemned local right-wing groups for spreading misinformation, including claims of a “white genocide” in South Africa. Mokonyane called this rhetoric “dangerous and racially charged”, accusing it of undermining democracy and reversing progress toward a united, non-racial society.

“We reject their divisive politics and call on them instead to join hands with the rest of the country to build a better South Africa,” she said. The party stressed its focus on economic inclusion for the black majority, urging all South Africans to work together for a shared future.

Looking Ahead: Trade and Diplomacy

Despite the diplomatic friction, the ANC signalled openness to trade discussions with the US. Lamola noted that South Africa, as an emerging economy, is ready to negotiate mutually beneficial trade agreements. However, he was firm that such talks would not involve compromising on transformative laws or principles like the ICJ case against Israel.

The NEC also addressed the appointment of a new ambassador to the US, following the recall of Ibrahim Rasool, whose criticism of the Trump administration stirred controversy. Mokonyane clarified that the next appointee would be a capable South African chosen on merit, not race, and that discussions are ongoing, with an announcement expected “at the right time”.

Recent developments suggest the US is considering targeted sanctions against ANC members, a move the party acknowledged but refused to be deterred by. “We will continue to pay the price of standing for justice, humanity, and equality,” Mokonyane said, drawing parallels with Cuba’s resilience under decades of sanctions.

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