Reject US bullying and Ramaphosa’s cowardice

SOUTH Africa is a country that is still fighting the remnants of imperialist thoughts and behaviours and that is why the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) noted with contempt the arrogant posture of the United States government regarding the visit of the Chief of the South African National Defence Force to Iran.

- JULIUS MALEMA

It is not enough that we are still dealing with white supremacist in our country but now we must contend with misguided and overreaching fake concerns by Trump's government which is seeking clarity on the visit. It is preposterous that as a sovereign state we are relegated to a junior partner by Washington every time it chooses to exercise its freedom in matters of our diplomacy, economy, trade, or military cooperation. As the EFF we reject this.

South Africa does not owe the United States an explanation for the conduct of its foreign policy or the activities of its armed forces. Our country is not a colony. We are not a client state nor are we an outpost of American imperialism on the African continent. We are an independent nation, born out of struggle, and we reserve the right to engage with whomever we deem fit. Our relations with Iran, like our relations with all nations, are determined by our own interests, and not by the emotions of Donald Trump or any other occupant of the White House.

General Maphwanya’ visit to Iran was not a reckless act, nor was it a provocation of the United States. It was an engagement that had been planned as far back as 2024 which was before the latest flareup of tensions between Washington and Tehran. America’s enemies are not our enemies, and South Africa must continue to freely associate with any nation of its choosing, especially those that are part of BRICS. Our foreign policy and independence should never be dictated to by Washington.