By Ebi Kesiena
President Cyril Ramaphosa has affirmed that South Africa will not succumb to external pressure or threats from other nations.
Delivering a resolute State of the Nation Address (SONA) at Cape Town’s City Hall on Thursday evening, Ramaphosa highlighted the growing challenges of nationalism, protectionism, and declining global cooperation.
“This is the world that we, as a developing economy, must now navigate. But we are not daunted. We will not be deterred. We are a resilient people. We will not be bullied,” he stated.
Ramaphosa emphasised South Africa’s unwavering commitment to protecting its national interests, sovereignty, and constitutional democracy, reinforcing the country’s independent stance in global affairs.
His remarks come amid rising international tensions, particularly following threats from former U.S. President Donald Trump to cut aid to South Africa over its land expropriation policies. Trump has accused the South African government of human rights violations and land confiscation, claims that South African leaders and civil society groups have strongly refuted.
Beyond the U.S. dispute, Ramaphosa also addressed ongoing friction with Rwanda regarding the crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). While South Africa champions cooperation and multilateralism through organisations such as the United Nations, African Union, Non-Aligned Movement, and BRICS, tensions remain over differing approaches to resolving the conflict.
Reaffirming South Africa’s commitment to peace, justice, equality, and global solidarity, Ramaphosa called for a reformed and representative United Nations to play a more effective role in world affairs.
He also announced plans to dispatch government delegations to key capitals across Africa and the world to articulate South Africa’s positions and strategic objectives during its G20 Presidency this year.
