At least three delegations from South Africa are preparing to travel to the United States in response to President Donald Trump’s recent critical remarks about the country’s Expropriation Act. The unexpected backlash from the U.S. administration has left many South Africans puzzled, particularly following Trump’s executive order that froze aid to South Africa, condemned the nation for its support of Iran and Hamas, and proposed asylum for Afrikaner farmers.
Former South African President Thabo Mbeki expressed his confusion about the situation, stating, “I honestly don’t understand it … there is a radical change completely out of the blue with regard to the behavior of the Republican Party in the U.S. towards us.” His sentiments reflect a broader sense of surprise among South African leadership regarding the sudden shift in U.S. relations.
The planned delegations include one organized by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, another by the opposition party Democratic Alliance, and a third by the trade union Solidarity, which predominantly represents white and Afrikaans-speaking workers. The first two groups aim to counter Trump’s assertions, while the Solidarity delegation appears more aligned with his views.
However, these delegations face significant challenges. There is uncertainty about who in the U.S. government will be available to meet with them, as both President Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio have shown reluctance to engage. Rubio recently announced he would not attend a G20 meeting in South Africa, citing the nation’s perceived anti-American stance. Trump has also been noncommittal about participating in the upcoming G20 summit.
The political landscape complicates matters further. Democrats in Congress have expressed their discontent with South Africa’s foreign policy, particularly its stance on Russia, leading to a hold on the confirmation of new State Department nominees. This retaliation stems from concerns over Trump’s collaboration with Elon Musk, who has been criticized for attempting to reduce funding for the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).
In previous years, South African delegations have found allies among sympathetic members of Congress; however, the current political climate suggests that these opportunities may be limited. Republican figures like Senators Ted Cruz and Marsha Blackburn have criticized South Africa for its diplomatic decisions, particularly its alignment with China.
South Africa’s ambassador to the U.S., Ebrahim Rasool, has faced scrutiny for his support of Hamas, further straining relations. His recent comments have accused Trump of being influenced by supporters of apartheid, adding to the tensions.
Meanwhile, the ruling African National Congress (ANC) has continued actions that may irritate U.S. officials, such as attending a celebration of the Iranian Revolution at the Iranian embassy in Pretoria. This behavior has raised questions about the ANC’s approach to international diplomacy.
As South African leaders prepare for their visits to Washington, they seem to prioritize persuasion over addressing domestic policy issues. However, given the current climate and the lack of a united front among the delegations, their efforts may face significant obstacles in achieving constructive dialogue.