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Tensions between S-Africa, US significantly escalated
(MENAFN) In early 2025, tensions between South Africa and the United States significantly escalated. The conflict began when media outlets revealed documents showing correspondence between Elon Musk’s Starlink and South Africa’s state telecommunications regulator, ICASA. Musk’s company criticized a legislative requirement mandating 30% ownership by historically disadvantaged groups, calling it a “barrier” to investment.
Soon after, US President Donald trump took to social media to criticize South Africa’s land reform policy, which seeks to redistribute land from the white minority to the black majority. He described the policy as confiscating land and mistreating certain groups.
Adding to the tension, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced his decision to skip the upcoming G20 summit in South Africa, condemning the country’s actions, including its stance on private property and its promotion of policies on diversity, equity, inclusion, and climate change.
This led to an executive order signed by Trump on February 7, declaring that the US would no longer provide aid to South Africa, citing its domestic policies and international positions, such as the lawsuit against Israel in the International Criminal Court (ICC) and its ties to Iran. South Africa consequently lost approximately $400 million in development aid, which was mainly allocated for HIV/AIDS programs.
In order to regain Washington’s favor, South Africa may need to ease restrictions on foreign investment, abandon the land reform initiative, withdraw its ICC lawsuit against Israel, and reevaluate its alliances with countries in the Global South. However, these demands clash with the country’s values and foreign policies, making it unlikely for the situation to be resolved swiftly.
Despite strong trade relations with the US, which amount to over $20 billion annually, South Africa’s political relationship with Washington has long been complex. This complexity is rooted in South Africa’s independent foreign policy, its BRICS membership, its strategic alliances with China and Russia, and its neutral stance on the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Additionally, the African National Congress (ANC) party has faced US criticism for its foreign policies, especially under the Biden administration.
The divergence between South Africa’s principles of equality and social justice—shaped by its anti-apartheid struggle—and the US’s demands on issues such as DEI and Israel is at the heart of the ongoing tensions. South Africa’s firm stance on Gaza and its criticism of Israel’s treatment of Palestinians also complicates its relationship with the US, adding another layer to the dispute.
Soon after, US President Donald trump took to social media to criticize South Africa’s land reform policy, which seeks to redistribute land from the white minority to the black majority. He described the policy as confiscating land and mistreating certain groups.
Adding to the tension, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced his decision to skip the upcoming G20 summit in South Africa, condemning the country’s actions, including its stance on private property and its promotion of policies on diversity, equity, inclusion, and climate change.
This led to an executive order signed by Trump on February 7, declaring that the US would no longer provide aid to South Africa, citing its domestic policies and international positions, such as the lawsuit against Israel in the International Criminal Court (ICC) and its ties to Iran. South Africa consequently lost approximately $400 million in development aid, which was mainly allocated for HIV/AIDS programs.
In order to regain Washington’s favor, South Africa may need to ease restrictions on foreign investment, abandon the land reform initiative, withdraw its ICC lawsuit against Israel, and reevaluate its alliances with countries in the Global South. However, these demands clash with the country’s values and foreign policies, making it unlikely for the situation to be resolved swiftly.
Despite strong trade relations with the US, which amount to over $20 billion annually, South Africa’s political relationship with Washington has long been complex. This complexity is rooted in South Africa’s independent foreign policy, its BRICS membership, its strategic alliances with China and Russia, and its neutral stance on the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Additionally, the African National Congress (ANC) party has faced US criticism for its foreign policies, especially under the Biden administration.
The divergence between South Africa’s principles of equality and social justice—shaped by its anti-apartheid struggle—and the US’s demands on issues such as DEI and Israel is at the heart of the ongoing tensions. South Africa’s firm stance on Gaza and its criticism of Israel’s treatment of Palestinians also complicates its relationship with the US, adding another layer to the dispute.
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