By Nco Dube | 15 March 2025

The re-election of Donald Trump as US president marked a troubling turn in global politics. Known for his combative style and disregard for diplomatic norms, Trump has once again brought his brand of bully diplomacy to the forefront of international relations. 

This time, South Africa has found itself squarely in his crosshairs. Alongside his ally, South African-born billionaire Elon Musk, Trump has launched a series of unfounded attacks on the country, peddling false claims of “white genocide” and land confiscation, while punishing South Africa for its principled stance on international issues such as Israel-Palestine relations. 

The suspension of aid funding, the granting of refugee status to white Afrikaner farmers, and the recent announcement by US Senator Marco Rubio that South Africa’s ambassador to the US is no longer welcome are all part of a calculated campaign to undermine South Africa’s sovereignty and global standing.

In this new era of Trump’s presidency, South Africa faces a critical choice: to capitulate to his bullying tactics or to stand firm and defend its principles. The Ramaphosa administration must recognise that appeasement is not an option. History has shown that Trump only respects strength and resolve. South Africa must therefore adopt a bold, multi-faceted strategy to push back against these attacks, protect its national interests, and uphold its dignity on the global stage.

The Anatomy of Trump’s Diplomatic Intimidation

Trump’s approach to international relations consistently demonstrates a fundamental worldview divided into “dominators and dominated” with virtually no room for the collaborative middle ground where productive diplomacy typically occurs. His foreign policy often amounts to little more than “improvised verbal grenades” rather than coherent strategy, creating an environment where traditional diplomatic responses prove ineffective. This pattern reflects a deeply insecure personality that compensates through aggressive posturing and public performances of dominance.

South Africa has become a particular target of this approach. In his recent Truth Social post, Trump wrote that “South Africa is confiscating land, and treating certain classes of people VERY BADLY,” characterising the situation as “a massive Human Rights VIOLATION”. These claims fundamentally misrepresent South Africa’s constitutionally mandated land reform process, which aims to address the profound imbalance where white landowners still control three-quarters of South Africa’s freehold farmland despite comprising just 8% of the population. 

President Ramaphosa has specifically clarified that “The recently adopted Expropriation Act is not a confiscation instrument but a constitutionally mandated legal process that ensures public access to land in an equitable and just manner as guided by the constitution”.

Trump’s latest announcement that “any Farmer (with family!) from South Africa, seeking to flee that country for reasons of safety, will be invited into the United States of America with a rapid pathway to Citizenship” represents a particularly provocative escalation, legitimising false narratives while undermining South Africa’s sovereignty.

Since taking office in January, Trump’s administration has intensified its focus on South Africa, using a combination of misinformation, punitive measures, and diplomatic intimidation. The false narrative of “white genocide” and the confiscation of white-owned farms has been a recurring theme in Trump’s rhetoric. These claims, repeatedly debunked by experts and fact-checkers, have been weaponised to justify a series of aggressive actions against South Africa.

Suspension of Aid Funding

One of the first actions taken by the Trump administration was the suspension of aid funding to South Africa. This move, framed as a response to the alleged mistreatment of white farmers, is in reality a punitive measure designed to pressure the South African government into aligning with Trump’s agenda. The suspension of aid not only undermines development initiatives but also sends a chilling message to other nations that dare to defy Trump.

Refugee Status for White Afrikaner Farmers

In a move that has drawn widespread criticism, the Trump administration granted refugee status to white Afrikaner farmers, claiming they are being persecuted by the South African government. This decision is not only baseless but also deeply insulting, as it perpetuates harmful stereotypes about South Africa and undermines the country’s efforts to address historical injustices through land reform.

Expulsion of South Africa’s Ambassador

The announcement by US Senator Marco Rubio that South Africa’s Ambassador to Washington, Ebrahim Rasool, is no longer welcome in the US is the latest escalation in Trump’s campaign against South Africa. Rubio’s claim that Rasool “hates this country and hates POTUS” is a thinly veiled attempt to silence dissent and punish South Africa for its criticism of Trump’s policies. This move is a direct attack on South Africa’s diplomatic standing and a clear violation of international norms.

South Africa’s Stance on Israel

Trump has also cited South Africa’s criticism of Israel as a justification for his actions. South Africa’s support for Palestinian rights and its calls for a just resolution to the Israel-Palestine conflict have long been a point of contention with the US. By framing his actions as a response to South Africa’s foreign policy, Trump is attempting to delegitimise the country’s principled stance on international issues.

The Role of Elon Musk: A Complicit Ally

Elon Musk, the South African-born billionaire and CEO of companies like Tesla and SpaceX, has emerged as a key ally in Trump’s campaign against South Africa. Musk, who has a history of making controversial statements about his home country, has amplified Trump’s false claims and used his vast influence to shape public opinion. His platform, X (formerly Twitter), has become an echo chamber for misinformation about South Africa, further entrenching the false narrative of “white genocide” and land confiscation.

Musk’s involvement adds a layer of complexity to the situation. As a global figure with significant economic and technological influence, his actions have far-reaching consequences. By aligning himself with Trump, Musk is not only undermining South Africa’s reputation but also contributing to the erosion of truth and accountability in global discourse.

South Africa’s Path to Effective Resistance

The current confrontation calls for a more assertive approach that balances diplomatic professionalism with firm boundaries. South Africa’s initial response of refusing to engage in “megaphone diplomacy”, represents a dignified starting point. However, to effectively counter this diplomatic bullying, South Africa must implement a comprehensive strategy that leverages its strengths and builds international solidarity.

Some experts have suggested South Africa should avoid public confrontation with Trump. Tshwane University of Technology Professor John Molepo recently advised that “Ramaphosa would be wise to avoid responding to Trump on social media platforms but pursue diplomatic engagements”. 

This approach, while seemingly prudent, fundamentally misunderstands the Trump diplomatic playbook. Adversaries who approach Trump with deference or traditional diplomatic courtesy frequently find themselves at a disadvantage, as his interactions are not designed to reach mutual understanding but to establish dominance.

Here are some key steps South Africa can take to mount an effective pushback:

Strengthen Diplomatic Alliances

South Africa should leverage its position within the African Union (AU), the Southern African Development Community (SADC), and the BRICS bloc to build a coalition of nations committed to resisting Trump’s disruptive policies. By presenting a united front, these countries can amplify their voices and exert greater influence on the global stage.

Learning from International Examples of Effective Resistance

Several nations are successfully navigating confrontations with the Trump administration by balancing firm boundaries with strategic engagement. Canada’s response to trade disputes, China’s measured economic countermeasures, and Mexico’s combination of public dignity with private negotiation all offer valuable lessons for South Africa.

Challenge Misinformation with Facts

The false claims of “white genocide” and land confiscation must be countered with credible data and evidence. South Africa should work with international organisations, academics, and media outlets to debunk these narratives and set the record straight.

Retaliate with Targeted Measures

While South Africa should avoid escalating tensions unnecessarily, it must be prepared to take targeted action in response to punitive measures from the US. This could include reviewing trade agreements, imposing tariffs on US goods, or restricting access to South African markets for American companies.

Support Diplomatic Channels

South Africa’s diplomatic corps, must be empowered to continue advocating for the country’s interests without fear of retribution. The government should also engage with US lawmakers and civil society groups to build support for a more constructive bilateral relationship.

Mobilise Public Opinion

The Ramaphosa administration should rally domestic and international public opinion against Trump’s bullying tactics. By highlighting the impact of his policies on ordinary South Africans, the government can build a groundswell of support for its pushback.

Invest in Economic Self-Reliance

Reducing any of South Africa’s crucial programmes’ dependence on US aid and investment will make the country less vulnerable to external pressure. This requires accelerating economic reforms, promoting local industries, and diversifying trade partnerships.

The Stakes for South Africa

The stakes for South Africa could not be higher. Allowing Trump’s administration to dictate the terms of engagement would set a dangerous precedent, not only for South Africa but for the entire African continent. It would signal that bullying and misinformation are acceptable tools of diplomacy, undermining the principles of sovereignty and mutual respect that underpin international relations.

Moreover, failing to push back would embolden Trump and his allies to escalate their attacks, further destabilising South Africa’s economy and international standing. The Ramaphosa administration has a responsibility to protect the nation’s interests and uphold its dignity on the global stage.

Conclusion: Sovereignty Through Strategic Firmness

As South Africa navigates this challenging diplomatic landscape, its response will set precedents not only for our own future international relations but for how emerging democracies worldwide can maintain sovereignty in the face of pressure from powerful nations. The current confrontation presents both risks and opportunities. Risks of capitulation to bullying, but also opportunities to demonstrate the strength that comes from principled resistance.

President Ramaphosa’s declaration that “We will not be bullied” encapsulates the essential starting point for an effective response. By combining this principled stance with strategic alliances, economic leverage, and unified domestic support, South Africa can transform this confrontation from a vulnerability to a demonstration of sovereign strength.

The path forward requires neither matching Trump’s confrontational style nor retreating into diplomatic deference. Instead, South Africa must chart a third way, one that combines dignified professionalism with strategic firmness, multilateral solidarity with bilateral boundaries, and domestic unity with international resolve. In doing so, it will not only effectively counter current diplomatic bullying but establish a model for maintaining national sovereignty in an increasingly complex global environment.

The road ahead will not be easy. Trump’s administration is relentless, and its attacks on South Africa are likely to continue. But if President Ramaphosa and his administration rise to the occasion, they can turn this challenge into a defining moment for South Africa’s foreign policy. The time for hesitation is over. The time for bold, unyielding action is now.

(Dube is a Political Economist, Businessman, and Social Commentator on UkhoziFM and various newspapers. Read more of his articles here: www. ncodube.blog)