President Cyril Ramaphosa has engaged in a critical phone call with United States President Donald Trump as South Africa stares down the possibility of damaging US tariffs that could hit key sectors and cost thousands of jobs. The early morning call on Wednesday, 6 August 2025, focused on bilateral trade and came amid growing concern… Continue reading Ramaphosa in Urgent Call with Trump as US Tariff Threat Looms Over SA
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Trump’s Protectionism Can Drive China and Africa Closer
President Donald Trump has long harboured trade and tariff concerns. Almost four decades ago, Trump wrote, “The world is laughing at American politicians as we safeguard ships that are not ours, carrying oil that is not ours, destined for allies who will not support us … We have to make other people pay for our… Continue reading Trump’s Protectionism Can Drive China and Africa Closer
Trump’s return to the White House spells trouble for Africa
During his second White House term, Trump’s governing style remains characteristically assertive, launching a full-scale offensive from day one. Domestically, he’s pushing for sweeping government reforms. On the international stage, he’s swiftly announcing withdrawals from numerous international organisations and aggressively deploying foreign policy moves, seeking to reshape the landscape of American influence globally. So, what does Trump’s return mean for Africa? Despite his stated policy goal of maintaining American… Continue reading Trump’s return to the White House spells trouble for Africa
The Expulsion of Ambassador Rasool, Financial Backing from the EU, and the Unexpected yet Calculated invitation to Zelensky Signal that South Africa is Reshaping its international Posture
In a bold display of independence that is rattling traditional diplomatic circles, South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa has signaled a clear break with the United States, a move that has not only shocked Washington but also redefined the nation’s foreign policy. This weekend, Washington expelled Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool, giving him just 72 hours to leave… Continue reading The Expulsion of Ambassador Rasool, Financial Backing from the EU, and the Unexpected yet Calculated invitation to Zelensky Signal that South Africa is Reshaping its international Posture
Nowhereism and Zelensky’s Hefty Bill: What Does Trump’s User-Pay Diplomatic and Development Cooperation Mean for Africa?
Most analysts tend to focus on events like AfriForum and Solidarity lobbying for US intervention or Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky’s ill-fated visit to Washington. However, an ugly and unprecedented confrontation in the Oval Office hammered home how a transactional approach to diplomacy, providing aid and cooperation only if the recipient pays, could impact the United… Continue reading Nowhereism and Zelensky’s Hefty Bill: What Does Trump’s User-Pay Diplomatic and Development Cooperation Mean for Africa?
Mashatile: SA Won’t Abandon the Palestinian Cause and Ignore ICC Arrest Warrant Against Netanyahu to Appease US
South Africa’s Deputy President Paul Mashatile, who has recently shared one of his notable foreign policy perspectives, says his country would not abandon the Palestinian cause and ignore the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) arrest warrant against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to appease the US. Mashatile, President Cyril Ramaphosa’s deputy in the country’s governing African… Continue reading Mashatile: SA Won’t Abandon the Palestinian Cause and Ignore ICC Arrest Warrant Against Netanyahu to Appease US
BRICS: Why Africa Must Look East And Resist Imperialist US Diplomacy By Threat
The upcoming BRICS Summit in Johannesburg next month is important for South Africa, the African continent and the global south. The gathering of the world’s major developing countries is expected to discuss a common currency and admit or agree on criteria to admit new members. Countries which have either applied or lined up to join… Continue reading BRICS: Why Africa Must Look East And Resist Imperialist US Diplomacy By Threat