What’s fueling US’ combative stance against South Africa? Dr Chitanga believes it goes back to Pretoria tackling Israel

Dr Gideon Chitanga, a renowned political analyst and international relations expert, asserts that the United States has adopted an adversarial stance towards South Africa, exemplified by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio's recent announcement to skip the G20 meeting in South Africa, where he accused the host government of pursuing an 'anti-American' agenda.

On the other hand, Rubio's announcement comes two days after US President Donald Trump lashed out at South Africa over land reforms aimed at redressing land inequalities perpetrated during the apartheid era.

Political analyst, Dr Gideon Chitanga told IOL that several underlying issues have made the United States adopt an adversarial approach to South Africa.

“I think there are very interesting but underlying issues about the statement by Marco Rubio. But that statement is not shocking because it reflects the slant of foreign policy that Trump has taken. The difference is that in the case of South Africa, it is not only coercive and transactional, and reflecting a lack of values but it is a posture mixed with shocking misunderstanding of the history of the country and the trajectory that it is taking," said the academic.

"I am not surprised that at this moment, the current US government would choose to escalate adversarial slanging against the South African government."

He highlighted that for some years, Washington has been following with disapproval, South Africa’s growing closeness to the People’s Republic of China and other countries in the BRICS forum.

Also, Chitanga pointed out that South Africa had disappointed Washington with its non-aligned stance on the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The United States has sided with Ukraine and made huge financial injections.

“Additionally, I think this is where I think the real issue is, the position that South Africa took over the Israeli war in Gaza, particularly going to the ICC (International Criminal Court).

“There is a very significant lobby of the current Israel government, and I would like to differentiate the Israeli government under Netanyahu from the people of Israel. The Israeli government is very close politically and ideologically to the Trump government.  I think the sense of really desiring to punish South Africa is mostly driven by a vindictive, punitive policy to punish South Africa for its posture," said Chitanga.

In the latest salvo directed at South Africa, Rubio has lambasted South Africa on social media platform X, accusing Pretoria of "doing very bad things". He then announced that he would not attend the upcoming G20 meeting, in protest.

South Africa, which occupies the G20 presidency, is set to host the G20 summit in Johannesburg on 20-21 February.

Rubio wrote on social media platform X: “I will NOT attend the G20 summit in Johannesburg. South Africa is doing very bad things. Expropriating private property".

He added: “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".

DEI, which stands for diversity, equity, and inclusion, has been heavily criticised by Trump.

jonisayi.maromo@iol.co.za

IOL