ANC condemns Trump’s remarks on South Africa

The African National Congress (ANC) has condemned what it describes as false and racially charged remarks made by United States President Donald Trump about South Africa. The party said Trump’s recent comments, which alleged genocide and persecution of white South Africans, were inflammatory and aimed at distorting the country’s democratic reality.

In a statement released on Saturday , ANC national spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu said Trump’s claims and his decision to boycott the upcoming G20 Leaders Summit in Johannesburg form part of a long pattern of imperial arrogance and disinformation. The party said the remarks were deliberate attempts to create fear for political gain within the United States.

The ANC reaffirmed that South Africa remains a sovereign and constitutional democracy governed by the rule of law. It said the country is committed to protecting the rights, safety and dignity of all citizens while continuing efforts to address historical injustices. The party rejected any suggestion that South Africa’s transformation agenda was racially motivated.

“South Africa’s democratic institutions are strong, independent and rooted in the will of the people, not in the approval or interference of any foreign power,” the statement said. “We reject with contempt any insinuation that our transformation is driven by racial disposition.”

The ANC said the G20 Summit, which will be hosted in Johannesburg under the theme Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability, demonstrates South Africa’s leadership and commitment to global cooperation. It said the summit will focus on debt relief, development, climate justice and equitable trade.

“The success of the summit will not be defined by who refuses to attend but by the shared determination of nations that believe in multilateralism based on respect and equality among peoples,” the party said.

The ANC accused Trump of siding with racist and right-wing movements around the world and said his latest comments were consistent with his previous actions. It said his record included defending white supremacists during the Charlottesville incident and making insulting remarks about African countries.

“Donald Trump’s continued alignment with racist elements and his rhetoric of division are well known,” the statement read. “His latest comments on South Africa are an extension of this worldview, one that sees African progress as a threat.”

The ANC said it would not allow divisive ideology to define Africa’s image or shape its future. The party called on progressive movements around the world to reject what it described as the revival of colonial attitudes and to support Africa’s right to self-determination.

“We will not be bullied, defined or distracted by imperial nostalgia disguised as concern,” the ANC said. “Our democracy was built through struggle and sacrifice, and it will continue to flourish guided by the will of our people and the enduring values of justice, equality and sovereignty.”

The party said the focus should remain on unity and cooperation among nations that respect international law and equality. It urged the global community to see through what it called efforts to divide Africa from within and to undermine its growing influence on the world stage.

The ANC said South Africa would continue to engage constructively with the international community and reaffirm its commitment to global peace, development and solidarity.

The statement was issued by Mahlengi Bhengu, the ANC national spokesperson.

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