The US State Department has launched a scathing attack on the South African government, accusing it of failing its citizens amidst high unemployment and recent evacuations of foreign nationals. The remarks come after International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola criticized the Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement, saying it opposes progressive causes and stands against the human rights of women and LGBTQI communities.
The US State Department’s Bureau of African Affairs pointed to SA’s high unemployment rate of 33%, recent evacuations of foreign nationals, and the “Kill the Boer” chant, declaring: “If caring about your own citizens is MAGA, SA might want to give it a try.” The bureau also noted that thousands of South Africans are fleeing to America to escape the government’s left-wing policies, while corrupt government elites get rich promoting race-based laws.
US-SA Relations at All-Time Low
Relations between Pretoria and Washington have been strained for months over SA’s foreign policy positions, race legislation, claims of discrimination against Afrikaners, and Pretoria’s stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict. The US post comes as both Ghana and Nigeria have raised concerns about the treatment of their citizens in SA following a recent wave of anti-immigrant tensions and attacks.
According to the US Department of State, the latest clash is a sign of worsening tensions between the two countries. The South African government has repeatedly condemned attacks on foreign nationals and rejected claims that xenophobic violence is official government policy. Lamola has held talks with counterparts across the continent and insisted South Africa is prepared to account for the situation before the African Union.
Refugee Programme for White South Africans
The latest row also lands against the backdrop of Washington’s controversial refugee programme for white South Africans. Earlier this month, the Trump administration announced that it would increase refugee admissions by 10,000 places specifically to accommodate more white South Africans, particularly Afrikaners, claiming they face racially motivated violence.
Here are some key points to consider:
- 33% unemployment rate in South Africa
- Recent evacuations of foreign nationals from SA
- “Kill the Boer” chant and its implications
- Thousands of South Africans fleeing to America
- Corrupt government elites getting rich promoting race-based laws
As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the South African government will respond to the US State Department’s criticisms. For more information on the US Department of State’s policies, visit the African Studies Center at the University of Pennsylvania.
