Donald Trump cuts aid: 'It's sad that 30 years into democracy, we still depend on foreign aid' – analyst
This comes after Trump cited his disapproval of South Africa’s land policy and its genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice.
Former US President and 2024 presidential hopeful Donald Trump speaks during the annual Conservative Political Action Conference meeting on 24 February 2024, in National Harbor, Maryland. Picture: AFP
Zain Johnson interviews Dr Ongama Mtimka, a political analyst.
Listen below:
US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to cut financial assistance to South Africa, citing his disapproval of the country’s land policy and its genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice.
Additionally, the White House announced plans to resettle white South African farmers and their families as refugees.
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In terms of international relations, Mtimka argues that both Trump and Elon Musk are driving a global reset agenda, one that involves withdrawing funding from multilateral organisations and sovereign nations they previously supported.
However, Mtimka cautions that the US, in a world that is becoming increasingly multipolar, can no longer afford to 'throw tantrums' and expect the world to 'respond to those in a vacuum'.
"For every withdrawal, China is offering to come in and close the gap and that's the last thing that they want."
- Dr Ongama Mtimka, Political analyst
Trump also revealed that the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) would be frozen.
Mtimka believes South Africa has viable options and that, although these may not be well received globally, this is the inevitable result of being 'pushed'.
He further emphasises that South Africa must demonstrate strength in making decisions that will reinforce its national sovereignty and safeguard the well-being of its people.
"It's a sad situation that 30 years into democracy we find ourselves having to depend on foreign aid in order for us to fulfill certain vital obligations from our national fiscus."
- Dr Ongama Mtimka, Political analyst
"We are not without options as a country."
- Dr Ongama Mtimka, Political analyst
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