President Ramaphosa Criticizes Trump’s Disregard for Diplomatic Norms Amid Funding Cut

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has openly criticized U.S. President Donald Trump's recent decisions and disregard for established diplomatic protocols. This criticism came shortly after President Trump signed an executive order that terminated all United States funding to South Africa, citing issues such as South Africa's Expropriation Act and its actions against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

Trump's executive order also included a controversial plan to assist in the relocation of Afrikaners to the United States, claiming they were oppressed in South Africa. This series of actions has intensified diplomatic tensions between the two nations.

Vincent Magwenya, Ramaphosa's spokesperson, conveyed the South African government's disappointment to TimesLIVE. Magwenya highlighted the lack of diplomatic courtesies traditionally extended between nations with long-standing relationships like that between the U.S. and South Africa. He emphasized the expectation for at least some form of engagement or formal notification prior to such significant decisions, which had been absent.

President Ramaphosa reaffirmed his commitment to maintaining South Africa's sovereignty and its stance on international issues during his state of the nation address earlier in the week. He stressed that South Africa would not succumb to external pressures or distractions from its developmental goals. The president's message was a direct response to Trump’s actions, underscoring a resolve to uphold the nation's policies and to continue advocating for equality, solidarity, and sustainability, in line with this year's G20 theme.

The situation has laid bare deeper issues in the U.S.-South Africa relationship, extending beyond the Expropriation Act to include South Africa’s position against Israel, its upcoming change in relations with Taiwan, and other global diplomatic stances. These disputes have been exacerbated by misinformation and false claims, adding strain to the diplomatic relations.

Despite these challenges, Magwenya mentioned that South Africa remains open to dialogue, hoping to resolve these escalated tensions. These developments were disclosed as President Ramaphosa landed in Tanzania for a crucial meeting concerning the conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, indicating the broader regional and international roles that South Africa continues to play under his leadership.