President Cyril Ramaphosa has vigorously defended the integrity of South African sovereignty, issuing a stern warning to AfriForum against seeking external intervention from the United States government on national policy matters. Addressing participants at the Education Lekgotla in Boksburg, Johannesburg, Ramaphosa’s comments came in response to reports that AfriForum, along with other groups, had sought to enlist US officials in pressuring the African National Congress (ANC) to alter its policies.
“We need to be sending a clear message to them that as far as we are concerned, as proud South Africans, we prefer that we should all stay here and solve our problems,” he stated emphatically. In an era marked by growing tensions and divisions, Ramaphosa expressed concern over the implications of seeking foreign assistance in addressing domestic issues. He associated these actions with a destructive pattern that could ultimately exacerbate divisions within the fabric of South African society.
Further expanding on his sentiments, Ramaphosa noted, “What they are doing has spawned divisions in our nation. That is not a nation-building process—running around the world trying to have your problems solved.” His remarks underscore a belief that tackling national challenges should be an intra-community affair, advocating for unity and collaboration among South Africans instead of outsourcing conflicts to global partners.
The question of national identity and the integrity of South African policy is a sensitive topic, especially in a country that has endured substantial societal and political upheaval. Ramaphosa’s pointed remarks resonate with many who feel that internal strife should be addressed through dialogue and understanding rather than external pressures, which may lead to further fragmentation.
As AfriForum continues its campaign for intervention, Ramaphosa’s call for unity finds significant support among numerous factions within society who fear that such tactics could paint a problematic picture of South Africa on the international stage. Critics argue that external pressures undermine the resilience and agency of South Africans, who are fully capable of resolving their own issues without foreign influence.
In his closing remarks, Ramaphosa reinforced his belief that cooperation and inclusivity are fundamental for nurturing a cohesive nation. “You are just sowing divisions because then a number of South Africans start looking at others negatively, and I don’t think that is the right way to handle our problems,” he asserted, urging all South Africans to rally behind the principle of local solutions for local problems.