South Africa’s President, Cyril Ramaphosa, recently made a bold statement, urging Donald Trump to “leave us alone.” Ramaphosa pointed out that during the dark days of apartheid, when South Africa was fighting for freedom and equality, Trump and the United States were nowhere to be found. “Americans never helped us against apartheid,” Ramaphosa said. “We fought for our own liberation and stood on our own feet. Trump should focus on his own country, and we’ll focus on ours.”
Ramaphosa, a seasoned politician and successful businessman, knows a thing or two about resilience. Born on November 17, 1952, in Soweto, he has been a key figure in South Africa’s political landscape for decades. He stood alongside Nelson Mandela in the struggle against apartheid and has since become a respected leader in his own right. Married to Tshepo Motsepe, who comes from the prominent Motsepe family, Ramaphosa is not only a political figure but also a significant player in the business world, with investments and shares across various industries.
But why does Donald Trump seem to have such a strong dislike for South Africa? In a recent interview with Fox News, Trump was asked if he planned to cut ties with certain African nations. His response was telling: “Not many, but South Africa.” He went on to describe South Africa as a “terribly run country” that “does terrible things to people.” These comments have left many South Africans frustrated and disappointed.
It’s clear that Trump’s understanding of South Africa is limited, and his remarks reflect a lack of knowledge about the country’s history, struggles, and achievements. South Africans are tired of being looked down upon or treated as inferior by the United States. Perhaps it’s time for South Africa to continue standing on its own, focusing on its growth and development without relying on or seeking validation from other nations.