America has clearly spelt out its problems with South Africa and that the US government aims to bring about “policy changes in South Africa” through “diplomacy”.
Expropriation without compensation and South Africa’s “hostile attitude” towards America and its allies are at the top of the list.
Ms Mss Tammy Bruce, spokesperson for America’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Marco Rubio, told the media yesterday that President Donald Trump and Rubio “made it clear what the problems are and what they have an issue with when it comes to South Africa”. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JiSkVDzPwL8)
The issue of expropriation without compensation is one. It is compounded by South Africa’s “growing relationship” with countries that are hostile to America, such as Iran and Russia.
According to her, South Africa is also increasingly taking an “aggressive position” towards America and its allies, including accusing Israel, and not Hamas, in the International Criminal Court (ICC).
South Africa has also positioned itself to “develop commercial, military and nuclear arrangements with Iran”. According to Bruce, it is “clear” that America’s action against South Africa revolves around much more than a single incident.
She added that it is about a country taking decisive steps that are not in the best interests of a “safe and secure” America.
She explained that these things have led America to review its policy towards South Africa.
“It is important for America to use diplomacy to bring about a change in policy and posture in South Africa. Changes should be encouraged.
“America does not want to punish countries, but genuinely wants to make things better for their citizens. It is about changing policy to create better environments for the people.”
She also said that South Africa was dishonest when it implied that it was not informed of America’s steps against ambassador Ebrahim Rasool in advance, but learnt of it on the platform X.
According to Bruce, senior American diplomatic staff called South African embassy staff to their office and personally informed them of the decision regarding Rasool.
She stated that Rasool’s comments crossed the line of acceptable criticism by labelling President Donald Trump a white supremacist, and insulted the entire country and its people.
“There is a standard for someone who acts as a diplomat in a country. His statements were unacceptable and border on the obscene. A diplomat is supposed to facilitate relationships between countries and a basic level of respect is expected.”
Her response makes it abundantly clear that America needs much more than a mere friendly gesture from South Africa to strengthen ties in the future.
This is a golden opportunity for South Africa’s Government of National Unity (GNU) to put the country on the right track for sound international relations. Surely, no-one will blame the GNU for choosing to put South Africa and its people first.
