SA still seeking US talks – Lamola

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Cape Town – International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola has revealed that the US has not responded to attempts to discuss President Donald Trump’s executive order cutting financial aid to South Africa.

 The aid was halted due to US disapproval of South Africa’s land reform policy and its genocide case against Israel at the ICJ.

Lamola criticised the lack of diplomatic engagement beyond social media and reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to dialogue.

“Despite all our attempts, through our mission in Washington to formally engage and communicate… we are awaiting feedback and a response. We’re hopeful that they will find a moment to respond and have the discussion with us,” Reuters quoted Lamola as saying.

“We don’t think it’s ideal that diplomatic matters can only be handled through social media.”

Meanwhile, the US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will not attend the upcoming G20 foreign ministers meeting in Johannesburg, citing disagreement with South Africa’s G20 theme, the report said. 

“I will NOT attend the G20 summit in Johannesburg.

“South Africa is doing very bad things. Expropriating private property. Using G20 to promote “solidarity, equality, & sustainability.” In other words: DEI and climate change.

“My job is to advance America’s national interests, not waste taxpayer money or coddle anti-Americanism,” Rubio wrote on X.

Lamola noted that China has pledged its support, and South Africa will continue efforts to engage with the US while preparing for all possible outcomes.

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