Concern that if re-elected, Trump may punish SA for defending Palestine
Some voters believe a Trump presidency will result in greater consequences for Palestinians and countries that have stood up for its cause.
Former US President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump gestures as he speaks at a campaign rally at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 1 November 2024. Picture: KAMIL KRZACZYNSKI / AFP
JOHANNESBURG - As former United States President Donald Trump makes yet another bid for the Oval Office, some South Africans have expressed concern over potential retaliation against this country for its continuing defence of Palestine.
The ongoing conflict in Gaza has been one of the major talking points in the run-up to Tuesday’s polls.
It’s also understood to have created a split in the Democratic Party, with some of Trump’s contender, Kamala Harris' own supporters grappling with the current administration's, which she serves as vice president, support of Israel.
Some voters believe a Trump presidency will result in greater consequences for Palestinians and countries that have stood up for its cause.
Revered Naomi Tutu, a South African based in the US, continues to take pride in this country's bold steps when it comes to the conflict in the Middle East but believes this will not be well received by Trump should he be re-elected.
"He is going to do what he can to punish South Africa and other non-aligned nations who’ve taken a principled stand around the suffering of the Palestinian people," Tutu said.
Journalist, Nic Dawes, said he expected Trump to hit South Africa where it’ll hurt most.
"South Africa’s support for Palestinian rights, South Africa’s intervention at the ICC, will result in the revocation of AGOA, assuming there’s Republican control of congress," Dawes said.
The winner of these presidential elections will take up office in January 2025.