TRUMP’S ATTEMPT TO BULLY S. AFRICA SIGN OF WEAKNESS

Washington’s use of economic and soft-power coercion against South Africa reveals US weakness, says political commentator Saheed Bolsen in this clip. Aid freezes, economic pressure and disinformation campaigns are the tactics of an empire in decline.

Pretoria came under attack from the Trump administration after passing its Land Expropriation Law, a piece of legislation designed to correct historical injustices against South Africa’s Black majority. But the US president claims, falsely, that it persecutes the wealthy Afrikaner (Dutch settler origin) community.

It’s all part of an effort, Bolsoen claims, to create internal divisions, undermine the credibility of South Africa’s leadership and force the country into submission - tactics that can only succeed if the targeted nation permits them to work.

Alternatively, Pretoria can choose to not be tied to an abusive relationship with the US - by diversifying its trade and cultural ties. It can see this as an opportunity to become more self-reliant and assume greater leadership on the global stage, as with its action against Israel at The Hague - in defiance of the US.

Video Credit: Shaheed Bolsen and his Nation

Sources

https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2025-02-06-we-will-not-be-bullied-resolute-ramaphosa-stands-up-to-us/?dm_source=dm_block_grid&dm_medium=card_link&dm_campaign=main 

Rubio-Trump vs South Africa

https://www.reuters.com/world/us-top-diplomat-rubio-will-not-attend-g20-meet-south-africa-2025-02-06/ 

https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/trump-cut-off-all-future-funding-south-africa-2025-02-02/