GNU parties praise Ramaphosa's response to Trump's land grab claims
During his State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Thursday, Ramaphosa said his government would not be bullied by the Trump administration.
President Cyril Ramaphosa delivered his State of the Nation Address at the City Hall in Cape Town on 6 February 2025. Picture: GCIS
CAPE TOWN - Political parties in the Government of National Unity (GNU) have applauded President Cyril Ramaphosa for putting his foot down against the United States.
This on the back of a recent clash between Pretoria and Washington over President Donald Trump's claim that South Africa has been expropriating private property.
During his State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Thursday, Ramaphosa said his government would not be bullied by the Trump administration.
FULL SPEECH: President Cyril Ramaphosa's 2025 SONA
Geopolitical issues were a key focus during the State of the Nation Address, with many eager to hear how Ramaphosa would respond to recent comments made by the USA.
Rise Mzansi national organiser, Makashule Gana, expressed his satisfaction with Ramaphosa's strong stance against the Trump administration.
"The president put his foot down and as Rise Mzansi, we fully back the president. In so far as what has been coming out from that country [USA], I must say that this is a result of all this fear mongering and misinformation that has been peddled by those who are against the democratic Republic of South Africa."
Democratic Alliance (DA) leader John Steenhuisen said that both countries must now work on their turbulent relationship.
"They are strategically important for us but we are also strategically important. From a minerals perspective but also from our position in Africa and I think it's important that we repair those relationships as quickly as possible."
There has been a shared view that the USA has no business involving itself in South African matters.