South Africa’s government is making efforts to restore positive relations with the United States and overcome the current diplomatic impasse according to Presidential Spokesperson Vincent Magwenya, who addressed journalists at the Union Buildings in Pretoria on Thursday.
The statement follows the expulsion of Ebrahim Rasool, South Africa’s ambassador to the United States, earlier this week. During foreign policy meetings, Rasool claimed that U.S. President Donald Trump was leading a global white supremacist agenda.
The Trump administration subsequently suspended all USAID funding to beneficiaries, including South Africa. Additionally, South Africa faces false accusations of human rights violations against white farmers, while its ties with Iran and Palestine remain a point of contention.
Contrary to his announcement during the State of the Nation Address (SONA), President Cyril Ramaphosa will not be sending a delegation to the United States to explain South Africa’s land policy. According to Magwenya, the timing is inappropriate due to the currently strained relationship between the two countries.
Magwenya also emphasized that the Trump administration is fully aware that there are no human rights violations being committed against white farmers. Despite the tensions, he asserted that President Ramaphosa remains committed to mending ties with the world’s largest economy.
With Rasool expected to return to South Africa soon, Pretoria is concerned that planned welcoming events by various groups could further strain relations between South Africa and the United States. Consequently, President Ramaphosa has called for calm.
Magwenya also dismissed claims that South Africa has a secret relationship with Iran. While some in the United States express concerns about possible nuclear collaboration between the two nations, Magwenya clarified that South Africa’s relationship with Iran stems from historical support during the liberation struggle.
“By the time the democratic government took office in 1994, South Africa had ceased all activities related to the development of nuclear weapons. We reject any claim that we have a secret plan with Iran to develop nuclear weapons or nuclear capabilities – we are not involved in such activities,” he stated.
