Former African Union (AU) Commission chairperson Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma has expressed her disappointment and frustration with United States President Donald Trump’s approach towards Africa and South Africa. 

Pretoria’s relationship with Washington deteriorated significantly after Trump assumed office in January. 

Absent a trade deal, certain South African exports face the imposition of 30% tariffs, the highest for any sub-Saharan African nation, starting Friday.

This development follows months of heightened tensions concerning various domestic and international policies.

In addition to disputes over various issues, such as South Africa’s accusation of genocide against Israel in Gaza at the International Court of Justice, Washington expelled Pretoria’s ambassador Ebrahim Rasool in March after he criticised Trump’s Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement.

According to Dlamini-Zuma, Trump is a “difficult person” who seems to prioritise American interests over global cooperation.

Dlamini-Zuma referenced Trump’s past comments on Africa, stating, “You must remember what he said in his first campaign before his first term…He said Africa needs to be recolonised. So what do we expect?” 

She emphasised the importance of African unity, saying if Africa was united, it would not be possible that Africa becomes recolonised.

Dlamini-Zuma also criticised Trump’s narrative on white genocide in South Africa, calling it “deliberate misinformation”.

She pointed out that crime is a significant issue in South Africa, but there is no evidence to support the claim of genocide against white people. 

“If you look at the statistics, it is the black people who die more, every time the statistics are given,” she said.

Dlamini-Zuma stressed Africa’s need to collaborate and promote its interests. She advocated for the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to boost intra-African trade and economic growth.

 “We need to work together and that’s why we want an Africa continental free trade so that we must trade amongst ourselves and promote each other’s interests,” she said.

She further emphasised the importance of empowering youth and women in Africa’s development. 

She called on governments and stakeholders to provide accessible education and skills training, stating, “Young people have the right to education, and they must actively pursue it”.

She also urged young Africans to engage in sectors such as mineral processing and the ocean economy to drive sustainable growth.

Dlamini-Zuma highlighted the need for Africa to decolonise its mindsets and prioritise inclusive development. 

“We need to decolonise minds. If we do not, we remain colonised,” she said, emphasising the importance of self-determination and African-led development.

As a pan-Africanist, Dlamini-Zuma said she was committed to promoting African development and restoring the continent’s history.

She also took the opportunity to announce the NDZ foundation-the Africa we want saying the new organisation was in the pipeline and was meant to engage on issues on the African agenda. It is expected to be launched by the end of the year.

International Relations expect Dr Noluthando Phungula mirrored Dlamini Zuma’s views about Trump’s attitude towards Africa and South Africa.  

“Trump has been clear from the onset about his policy position. He is clear on putting America first, so it is quite disingenuous for South Africa or Africa to pull the humanity card when dealing with Trump.”

She described bilateral relations between Washington and Pretoria as a political drama. 

“The Trump administration is at odds with Pretoria’s prominent position in the International Court of Justice’s case against Israel, which stands accused of genocide in Gaza,” Phungula said. 

mashudu.sadike@inl.co.za

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