Amid rising tensions as the US continues to target South Africa, seemingly as a punishment for the country's support of Gaza, University of South Africa Political Analyst Professor Tumi Senokoane stated that it is time for South Africa to 'stand' its ground.
Reacting to President Cyril Ramaphosa's State of the Nation Address (SONA), Senokoane stated that the country is at a crossroads and needs to equip its military to ensure it is ready to defend itself.
“South Africa is a superpower in its own right. Moreover, we must defend our sovereignty. Equally, we must defend our economic interests just as many other countries are doing...
On boosting the military, he said Denel, Armscor, and Mittal should be points of interest and increase the military strength of the country.
Acknowledging the rising global conflicts and the expansion of protectionism during his address, Ramaphosa said that South Africa will not be bullied amid rising global tensions.
He began his address by paying tribute to the fallen troops killed during a confrontation with forces reportedly associated with the M23 forces in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
In what seemed to be a direct response to various countries, including the United States, targeting South Africa for its stance on Israel’s actions in Gaza, Ramaphosa did not hold back his words.
“We will not be bullied,” he said, adding that South Africa stood for peace, justice, non-racialism, equality, and shared humanity.
This came after US President Donald Trump criticised South African leaders, accusing them of doing terrible things in the country following the introduction of the Expropriation Bill. Additionally, it appeared to respond to Rwandan President Paul Kagame’s warning that Rwanda was prepared for a confrontation with South Africa.
Earlier Thursday, the US Secretary of State Marco Rubio posted on X that he would not attend the G20 summit in Johannesburg, accusing the country of unverified claims.
“South Africa is doing terrible things. Expropriating private property. Using G20 to promote “solidarity, equality, & sustainability.” In other words, DEI and climate change.
“My job is to advance America’s national interests, not waste taxpayer money or coddle anti-Americanism,” he said.
IOL