ANC Chair Affirms South Africa's Sovereignty Amid U.S. Tensions

Tensions between the U.S. and South Africa escalate as ANC chair Gwede Mantashe defends the country's sovereignty and expropriation laws, amidst calls from citizens for punitive measures against South Africa by the U.S.

In a recent statement, Gwede Mantashe, the National Chair of South Africa's ruling African National Congress (ANC), firmly defended the country's sovereignty in light of escalating tensions with the United States. His comments come as relations strain over controversial race relations and a new land expropriation law designed to address historical inequalities. "We are a free country, we're a sovereign country. We're not a province of the United States and that sovereignty will be defended," Mantashe asserted on Sunday.

The friction intensified after U.S. President Donald Trump expressed discontent regarding South Africa's new expropriation law, which he claims permits the government to seize agricultural property from minority Afrikaners without compensation. The legislation is defended by President Cyril Ramaphosa, who emphasizes that it aims to ensure equitable public access to land.

Amidst these tensions, a notable number of South Africans have sought asylum in the U.S., further complicating the situation. Trump's executive order, issued in February, not only condemns the law but also presents a pathway for Afrikaners to potentially relocate to the U.S. as refugees, labeling them victims of racial discrimination.

In a speech delivered in Mpumalanga during the Freedom Day celebration, Mantashe criticized South Africans urging Trump to take punitive actions against their own nation. "Those individuals who are refusing to embrace their refugee status should consider relocating," he remarked, defending national pride and identity.

The discord has also been publicly voiced on social media; notable entrepreneur Elon Musk characterized South Africa's land ownership regulations as “racist.” It's important to highlight that, despite the end of apartheid, the majority of the country's wealth and land remains predominantly in the hands of white South Africans, who represent a minority demographic.

To ease the diplomatic impasse, South Africa recently appointed a special envoy, Mcebisi Jonas, to establish dialogue with Washington. This development follows the expulsion of South Africa's ambassador to the U.S., Ebrahim Rasool, following his accusations against Trump of utilizing "dog whistle" political tactics.