Trump: SA's passage to India

For months, South Africa has been fighting a losing battle - trying to convince US President Donald Trump that the accusations he hurls at us, from alleged violations of minority rights to questions of sovereignty, are unfounded.

- Eric Mthobeli Naki

After eight months of appeals and diplomatic cajoling, Pretoria appears close to drawing a line. The rhetoric from ANC leaders, from President Cyril Ramaphosa to Fikile Mbalula, has grown sharper, signalling growing impatience with Trump's intransigence.

South Africa is a nation of many voices. Some urge Ramaphosa to persist, to keep knocking on Washington's doors. But I am not among them.

Sovereignty demands respect and Trump has shown none. Minister Parks Tau's fruitless rounds in Washington only underscored the futility of persuasion, as Trump's hardline stance against Pretoria hardened further.

The truth is stark: no matter what tricks we attempt, Trump will not change his mind.

South Africa has long been marked as a target. While a military invasion is unlikely, unpredictability defines him - he flips allies into adversaries overnight.

Canada, Mexico, Denmark, all once partners, were suddenly cast as foes.