President Cyril Ramaphosa has declared that South Africa will not be deterred by threats or bullying from other nations.
In a resolute State of the Nation Address (SONA) at Cape Town’s City Hall on Thursday evening, Ramaphosa said the world is “witnessing the rise of nationalism and protectionism, the pursuit of narrow interests and the decline of common cause.”
“This is the world that we, as a developing economy, must now navigate,” Ramaphosa said.
He added: “But we are not daunted. We will not be deterred. We are a resilient people. We will not be bullied.”
He emphasised South Africa’s commitment to defending its national interests, sovereignty and constitutional democracy.
His statement comes amid rising global tensions, including a recent threat from US President Donald Trump to halt aid to South Africa over its land expropriation policies.
Trump has accused the South African government of human rights violations and land confiscation, claims that have been widely refuted by South African leaders and civil society organisations.
In addition to the US threat, Ramaphosa’s speech also touched on the ongoing tension between South Africa and Rwanda over the crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The two nations have been at odds over their differing approaches to addressing the conflict in the DRC, with South Africa advocating for cooperation and multilateralism through its membership in the United Nations, African Union, Non-Aligned Movement, and BRICS group of countries.
Ramaphosa reiterated South Africa’s commitment to peace, justice, equality and solidarity, highlighting the importance of a reformed and representative United Nations in global affairs.
He also announced plans to send a delegation of government and other leaders to various capitals on the continent and across the world to explain South Africa’s positions and objectives during its Presidency of the G20 this year.
JN/APA