ANC’s Mbalula: “South Africans Must Defend Our National Sovereignty”
By Thabo Mosia
African National Congress (ANC) Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula has strongly condemned the United States’ alleged interference in South Africa’s domestic affairs, calling it a “direct assault on our sovereignty and territorial integrity.” In a statement issued by the ruling party on 9 February 2025, Mbalula criticised AfriForum’s engagement with the US government, accusing the civil rights organisation of pushing a “counter-revolutionary” agenda aimed at undermining South Africa’s democracy and economic policies.
The ANC maintains that external forces should not dictate South Africa’s domestic policies, particularly regarding land reform and international relations, and has urged citizens to resist any attempts to undermine the country’s hard-won democracy.
The statement follows an escalating diplomatic row after US President Donald Trump signed an executive order cutting off foreign aid to South Africa and prioritising the resettlement of white South African farmers in the US as refugees.
US Executive Order: “Addressing Egregious Actions of the Republic of South Africa”
On 8 February 2025, the White House published an executive order titled “Addressing Egregious Actions of the Republic of South Africa,” which:
• Halted all foreign aid to South Africa.
• Imposed sanctions on South African entities involved in land redistribution.
• Ordered US opposition to South Africa’s ICJ case against Israel.
• Prioritised the admission of white South African farmers into the US refugee programme.
The order claims that South Africa’s Expropriation Act 13 of 2024 is designed to “seize ethnic minority Afrikaners’ agricultural property without compensation” and accuses the South African government of pursuing racially discriminatory policies.
AfriForum’s US Engagement and ANC’s Response
The ANC’s official statement singled out AfriForum, accusing it of:
• Spreading misinformation about land expropriation.
• Lobbying foreign governments to interfere in South Africa’s affairs.
• Pushing divisive racial narratives that undermine democracy.
Mbalula described AfriForum’s actions as “unpatriotic” and “bordering on treason,” asserting that the ANC-led government remains focused on economic transformation, democracy, and investment growth.
“The actions of counter-revolution are an attempt to erase all the hard work that will ultimately benefit all South Africans, regardless of race, colour, or creed,” said Mbalula.
Ramaphosa: “We Will Not Be Bullied”
President Cyril Ramaphosa has strongly rejected the executive order, calling it an attempt to “bully South Africa into submission.”
“South Africa’s land reform programme is being carried out transparently, within the framework of the law. No land has been arbitrarily confiscated, and all policies follow due process,” he said during his State of the Nation Address (SONA) on 6 February 2025.
Ramaphosa also defended South Africa’s genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), stating:
“Our foreign policy is guided by justice, not by intimidation. We remain committed to supporting the Palestinian people and their right to self-determination.”
EFF: “South Africa Is Being Punished for Challenging Israel”
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has linked Trump’s executive order to South Africa’s legal action against Israel at the ICJ.
EFF spokesperson Sinawo Thambo said:
“South Africa is being punished for exposing Israel’s crimes against Palestine. This is not about land reform; it is about our stance on justice.”
The EFF has called for:
• The expulsion of the Israeli Embassy from South Africa.
• The revocation of citizenship for any South African who seeks refugee status in the US.
• Stronger diplomatic ties with Russia, China, and BRICS nations.
“No one who flees to the USA on the basis of misinformation should retain South African citizenship,” Thambo added.
AfriForum’s Response: “We Will Not Abandon South Africa”
AfriForum CEO Kallie Kriel has defended the organisation’s engagement with the US, stating that Afrikaners “remain committed to the country and its future.”
“We appreciate the fact that the USA recognises the discrimination Afrikaners face, but our future is in Africa. We will not abandon South Africa,” Kriel said.
AfriForum has proposed alternative solutions, including:
• Amendments to the Expropriation Act and Basic Education Law Amendment Act (BELA).
• A cultural accord between the government and Afrikaner communities.
• Ending racial discrimination against Afrikaners.
• Stopping “Kill the Boer” chants and anti-Afrikaner rhetoric.
South Africa’s Diplomatic Response
South African Minister of International Relations Ronald Lamola has dismissed Trump’s executive order as “misinformation and propaganda.”
“We are concerned by the campaign of falsehoods aimed at misrepresenting South Africa. We remain committed to diplomatic engagement and will continue working with international partners to clarify our position,” Lamola said.
South Africa has announced:
• Plans to send government delegations to key capitals, including Washington, to address the crisis.
• A strategy to strengthen economic ties with BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa).
• Legal action to counter misinformation in global forums.
Economic Fallout: US Aid Cuts and Market Reactions
The US aid freeze is expected to have significant economic implications for South Africa, including:
• A loss of over $500 million in annual US aid, primarily in health and infrastructure funding.
• A 4% decline in the Rand’s value against the US dollar following Trump’s announcement.
• Concerns over trade restrictions, particularly affecting agriculture and the automotive sector.
Despite these challenges, South Africa remains defiant, with Ramaphosa reiterating that the country “will not compromise its sovereignty for financial aid.”
Conclusion: Rising Tensions Between South Africa and the US
The ANC, EFF, and the South African government have all condemned Trump’s actions as imperialist interference. While AfriForum welcomes US recognition of Afrikaners’ challenges, the broader South African leadership remains firm in rejecting external pressures.
With diplomatic tensions escalating, South Africa now faces a pivotal moment in its foreign relations, particularly as it seeks stronger alliances with BRICS and other nations outside the Western sphere of influence.
Mbalula, Ramaphosa, and other leaders have called for national unity, urging South Africans to resist divisive narratives and stand firm in protecting the country’s democracy and sovereignty.
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