The African National Congress (ANC) has issued a fiery response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent comments, rejecting what it described as “assertions and fabrications” aimed at undermining South Africa’s sovereignty and leadership on the global stage.
ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula on Saturday condemned Trump’s remarks after the former president claimed that a South African delegation’s visit to Washington “lacked coordination” and “failed to meet expected diplomatic standards.”
“We reject Donald Trump’s assertions and fabrications in the strongest possible terms,” Mbalula said. “President Ramaphosa led a capable and dignified delegation to the U.S., yet Trump turned what should have been a diplomatic engagement into a sideshow even playing a movie at the Oval Office instead of engaging in serious discussion.”
According to Mbalula, Trump’s actions reflected “disrespect and ignorance” toward African nations, accusing the former U.S. leader of reviving outdated imperialist attitudes.
“Trump’s administration has no regard for our sovereignty,” Mbalula added. “They think we are a sub-country of the United States, which is very unfortunate. Such arrogance only exposes the deep-seated imperial mindset we have always rejected as the ANC.”
The ANC, known for its long-standing anti-imperialist stance, said it would not allow any foreign power past or present to dictate its foreign policy direction or undermine its independence.
“They have stirred up issues that border on imperialism,” Mbalula continued. “We remain resolutely anti-imperialist and committed to Africa’s unity, dignity, and right to self-determination.”
Mbalula further confirmed that the G20 Summit, scheduled to be hosted in South Africa later this year, will proceed as planned despite attempts by what he termed “Western propaganda” to discredit the event.
“Let it be known the G20 will go ahead. South Africa remains a respected member of the global community, and we will continue to engage constructively with our partners across the world,” he said.
Political analysts view the exchange as a reflection of broader tensions between nationalist movements in the Global South and lingering Western influence. While Trump’s comments have not been officially endorsed by the current U.S. administration, the ANC insists the episode underscores the need for African nations to assert their independence more firmly on international platforms.
As Mbalula concluded, “South Africa will not be lectured to. Our path is our own, and no movie in the Oval Office will change that.”
