South Africa Collision Course with Trump: Predictable and Avoidable

Ramaphosa has just made his work of reform and south African economic recovery much more difficult.

The ANC, which deliberately sought to remain in charge of foreign policy in the GNU, faces two possible but very different responses to Trump. It can soften your approach, which is unlikely, above all, since the release movement lacks humility and thinks of itself as at least the same in the United States. Such movements, if it were to choose the approach, could include backward in the case of ICJ, replace the South Africa ambassador to Washington that has has now been linked to radicalismand a general decrease in united anti-state tone. It should do everything possible, of course, to avoid the implementation of American tariffs on South African assets as an additional punishment, including the possible end of the law of growth and African opportunities.

The methods to achieve this approach could be in the use of good offices of rich and influential South African businessmen with contacts in Mar-a-lago, which could help achieve a commitment, for example, order the unfounding and confusing set of the Laws. and regulations developed in South Africa since 1996 stipulating preferential black property on the economy. If Trump’s executive order allows spring legislative cleaning, he would have served all South Africans, apart from them, of course, with rentist roles and ambitions. And most could claim a victory.

Or, ANC can harden risely to the pressure of us. This can only create more pain for South Africa and legitimize the anti -ch feeling, both nationally and abroad. If this course is adopted, any sanction against South Africa must be directed specifically against the leadership of the ANC instead of the entire economy.

If the last route is taken, the cost, as always, will not be assumed by the leadership of South Africa, which will crawl behind the high walls in the rides to slide and slide through international meetings that take aspirations without substance, but For people, of people, of people, of people, of people, of people, of the Congo after.

© Ray Hartley and Greg Mills, 2025, published by Rusi with permission from the author

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