The article explores the escalating tensions between the United States and South Africa, driven by a confluence of factors including the International Court of Justice case against Israel, BRICS dynamics, and Elon Musk's Starlink expansion. It delves into the US government's efforts to exert influence on South Africa's foreign policy and its implications for the country's role in the global arena.
Tech billionaire and head of the Department of Government Efficiency, Elon Musk , with United States President Donald Trump, and Musk's son X Æ A-12 in the Oval Office on Tuesday. Photo: @elonmuskThe real reason behind the US president’s interest in South Africa lies in a complex web of global dynamics: Elon Musk ’s Starlink’s expansion, the International Court of Justice ( ICJ ) case, Brics plus and America’s efforts to counter the global push for dedollarisation.
It’s not about land, nor is it about Afrikaners. It’s about shrinking South Africa’s influence on the global stage and limiting efforts to reshape the world economic order. South Africa’s decision to bring a case against Israel at the ICJ, accusing it of genocide against the Palestinians, has been hailed as a bold moral stance by some and criticised as a politically motivated move by others. Long before the 7 October 2023 attack, South African activists had popularised the hashtag #ApartheidIsrael, drawing parallels between Israel’s policies and South Africa’s apartheid past. However, for countries on the other side of the debate, the ICJ case reflects South Africa’s ambition to assert itself as a leader in the Global South, particularly as it assumes the G20 presidency and seeks to reform the global financial architecture. Even though the Global South might view South Africa’s ICJ move as a necessary challenge to impunity, Global North countries see it as an overreach that could strain diplomatic relations. The Israel-Palestine war has become a proxy battle between values of a multipolar world and Western unilateralism. Events escalated when Trump won the US presidency, again. During Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s recent state visit to the White House, Trump reiterated his 2019 Peace and Prosperity Plan to annex Gaza and resettle Palestinians elsewhere. The idea of annexing Gaza, which would involve significant displacement of Palestinians, has been met with international condemnation from the UN, China, countries in the Middle East, Germany, the UK and France. The potential annexation of Gaza would have far-reaching implications and further complicate efforts toward a two-state solution. Ironically, Trump is willing to propose what could be described as a land grab in Gaza while sanctioning South Africa’s moderate land Expropriation Act. In light of South Africa’s land reform, Trump subsequently announced plans to prioritise the resettlement of South African farmers, particularly Afrikaners, as refugees in the US. Trump alleged, without substantiation, land “confiscation” and the bad treatment of “certain ethnic groups” within the country. These recent moves by Trump can only be interpreted as retribution against countries that support the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement against Israel. If South Africa caves in to pressure and withdraws its support for the Palestinians, it could discourage other nations from standing up to Western hegemony. In his State of the Nation address, President Cyril Ramaphosa reiterated the country’s support for Palestine and stated his administration would not be deterred nor bullied. It is yet to be seen how South Africa will respond to further pressure, especially when the African Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa) expires in 2027. Currently, Agoa trade exports to the US amount to $14 billion, making it a significant part of South Africa’s trade relations. In early February 2025, Trump announced a halt to US funding to South Africa under the President’s Emergency Plan for Aids Relief (Pepfar). While the US only funds 17% of South Africa’s HIV/Aids programme, the decision has led to confusion and concern among healthcare organisations, activists and the patients who rely on these services. The abrupt withdrawal of support is another sign that South Africa has lost favour with the Americans and is now viewed as a foe instead of a strategic ally. South African politicians are surely worried about the country’s status under Agoa and have made plans to send a delegation to mend relations with the North American superpower. But tension remains high, especially after Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy Gwede Mantashe suggested that South Africa should reconsider exporting minerals to the US in response to recent sanctions. The US will probably do the same and only reconsider renewing South Africa’s Agoa status based on the country’s stance on the ICJ case, dedollarisation within Brics and even black economic empowerment laws. Musk’s efforts to expand Starlink, SpaceX’s satellite internet service, to South Africa have been met with resistance as the country asserts its ability to regulate foreign investment
SOUTH AFRICA USA INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS GLOBAL POLITICS BRICS ELON MUSK STARLINK ICJ ISRAEL-PALESTINE CONFLICT
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
South Africa: Death of Miners in South Africa a Government FailureRights groups are criticizing South Africa's government for failing to prevent what they call a 'massacre' at the Buffelsfontein mine, after security officials cut off food, water, and other essential supplies to miners trapped underground and delayed a rescue operation.
Read more »
South Africa: Government of South Africa Notes the USA Executive OrderPress Release - The government of South Africa has taken note of the latest executive order issued by President Trump. It is of great concern that the foundational premise of this order lacks factual accuracy and fails to recognize South Africa's profound and painful history of colonialism and apartheid.
Read more »
South Africa: Executive Order - Addressing Egregious Actions of The Republic of South AfricaDocument - By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered as follows:
Read more »
Rwanda's Kagame: Ready for Confrontation with South Africa if NecessaryRwandan President Paul Kagame has asserted that Rwanda is prepared for a confrontation with South Africa should the situation necessitate it. Kagame's statement follows the recent escalation of fighting in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where 13 South African soldiers were killed. Kagame claims South Africa's military activities in the DRC were not properly disclosed and that Ramaphosa requested logistical support while simultaneously acknowledging South Africa's peace efforts. He further criticizes South Africa's role as a peacemaker and mediator, warning of a forceful response if South Africa seeks confrontation.
Read more »
South Africa Considers DRC Withdrawal as Tensions EscalateThe South African National Defence Force (SANDF) states that the potential withdrawal of soldiers from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) will be decided politically. The situation in the DRC remains volatile following clashes between M23 rebels and the DRC army, resulting in the deaths of 13 South African soldiers. Kenyan President William Ruto has convened a meeting with Rwandan and DRC leaders to address the crisis.
Read more »
South Africa Defends DRC Deployment Amidst Tensions with RwandaSouth African expert defends the country's military presence in the DRC, highlighting its role in regional peacekeeping efforts and national interests. The defense comes amidst escalating tensions with Rwanda, which criticized South Africa's involvement and accused the country of distorting information about phone calls with President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Read more »