DONALD Trump's intentions in targeting South Africa with recent aid funding freezes is not necessarily about the pressing land question, but rather about his “anxiety” concerning the growing global influence of China and Russia, says one international relations expert.
Trump issued an executive order on Friday that the US would not “provide aid or assistance to South Africa”.
“All executive departments and agencies, including the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), shall, to the maximum extent allowed by law, halt foreign aid or assistance delivered or provided to South Africa, and shall promptly exercise all available authorities and discretion to halt such aid or assistance.”
This was the latest development in the simmering tensions between South Africa and the US over what South Africa has described as “misinformation” peddled by Trump relating to the country’s land reform laws.
International relations expert Siseko Maposa said: “Beneath the dominant discourse on land expropriation lies a more profound issue - shifting global power dynamics. Trump's vocal criticism of SA's land reform policies, cloaked in concerns over human rights, obscure his true anxieties - the rising global influence of China and Russia, backed by emerging nations seeking greater diversity, equity and inclusion within the global political economy.
“BRICS, comprising an expanding constellation of emerging-market economies, has coalesced into a significant geopolitical bloc, vigorously advancing an agenda that potentially erodes US hegemony.”
However the move to halt funding does not come without concerning implications.
Citing figures from the US Foreign Policy Office and organisations the Heritage Foundation, Maposa, also a director of Surgetower Associates, said: “Historically South Africa has been a significant recipient of US foreign aid, receiving approximately $6 billion (R111 billion) in direct aid between 2012 and 2021.
“Most of this aid has supported South Africa's health sector, particularly in the fight against HIV/AIDS, with the US committing to provide over $900 million (R16.65 billion) in HIV/AIDS support for fiscal years 2024 and 2025. In addition to direct aid, the US also provides funding to South Africa through partnerships with international organisations such as the United Nations and the World Bank. Other key areas of US funding commitments include supporting South Africa's just energy transition and expanding its information and communication technology infrastructure. As such, the recent US foreign aid cuts will have significant implications for South Africa, affecting healthcare and other domestic and international programs. To mitigate the crisis, South Africa will likely intensify diplomatic efforts with US officials to preserve its preferential trade status under the AGOA and reverse the executive order.”
President Cyril Ramaphosa is set to send a high-powered envoy to the US to try to quell relations with the country following Trump’s executive order.
Political analyst Ntsikelelo Breakfast said the grievance SA lodged at the International Court of Justice against Israel also played a role in Trump's decision to stop aid to South Africa.
“That move did not sit well with some powerful people in the US because it was seen as an attack.
“The Americans have used Israel as an entry point in the affairs of the Middle East… so that grievance was perceived to be an anti-American stance.
“It's going to be interesting how this delegation is going to play itself out in the US given the fact that there are some demands that the Trump administration is making…For instance the withdrawal of the grievance in the ICJ and the withdrawal of the land policy, which is a mission impossible,” Breakfast said.
He added that the US-SA diplomatic conflict was going to escalate.
“I'm not quite sure if that delegation would be able to cool off the Republicans because the people who are in charge of America now are reactionary, right-wing politicians who are on a mission to attack any state that is seen to be siding with the enemies of the US.
“The fact that SA has a relationship with Iran also does not sit well with the US. SA is also seen to be aligning with Russia. It is seen to be aligning with countries that are not on good terms with the US and that is why the country is being punished.”
The Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation maintained the country was committed to finding diplomatic solutions.
“It is of great concern that the foundational premise of this order lacks factual accuracy and fails to recognise South Africa’s profound and painful history of colonialism and apartheid. We reiterate that South Africa remains committed to finding diplomatic solutions to any misunderstandings or disputes,” the ministry said.
Cape Times