Trump bullying is a much-needed wake-up clap for SA

SA should be looking to be selfreliant rather than begging for aid

- Mosibudi Mangena

Donald Trump is a wrecking ball that is throwing the world into turmoil in the military, trade, diplomacy, international aid and human decency senses.

In the few weeks that he has been president of the United States, he has shaken things so much that many are wondering where the world order is going. One thing that is clear is that he is destroying the soft power that the US has had as an economically successful country that contributes generously to needy courses.

Its overpowering cultural influence in the form of music, films, fast foods and fashion are likely to suffer.

In the case of South Africa, he unceremoniously cut aid for HIV management and research, offered refugee status to Afrikaners who are spuriously said to be facing genocide at the hands of the government and expelled the South African ambassador to his country.

It is instructive to observe the differing reactions of other countries that are at the receiving end of Trump's school playground bullying with those of South Africa.

While we responded with hand-wringing supplication, the other countries adopted a self-defence pose that seeks to challenge the bully.