Gayton McKenzie, leader of the Patriotic Alliance (PA), has called for South Africa and the United States to repair their strained relationship, emphasizing the importance of both nations supporting each other. In a candid interview on the SMWX podcast with Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh, McKenzie backed South African President Cyril Ramaphosa for his stance against US President Donald Trump, who had threatened to cut funding for HIV/AIDS programs aimed at South Africa. Ramaphosa’s bold declaration during his State of the Nation Address—that Pretoria would not be intimidated—came after Trump’s threats over the country’s expropriation policy. The tension escalated when Trump issued executive orders that cut USAID funding to South Africa and extended priority refugee status to white Afrikaners, further deepening the rift.
McKenzie voiced his support for Ramaphosa’s position, noting that no president should be bullied into submission. He also stressed that America and South Africa rely on each other, highlighting the economic ties between the two nations. “It’s our second biggest trading partner,” McKenzie remarked. He criticized the US for misjudging the situation, particularly its belief in the unfounded claim that white South Africans are under siege. McKenzie firmly rejected this narrative, adding that it had led to a diplomatic misunderstanding between the two countries.
Pointing out the vital role the US plays in combating HIV/AIDS in South Africa—contributing 17% of the funding—McKenzie also mentioned the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), a trade agreement that offers sub-Saharan Africa preferential access to US markets. He expressed concern that South Africa could lose its status under AGOA if the relationship continues to deteriorate. The PA leader called for a concerted effort to mend ties with the US, noting the potential economic consequences of losing such critical support.
McKenzie further emphasized that leadership requires compromise, even when it feels uncomfortable. “As a leader, I have to do what it takes for the people to survive,” he said, acknowledging that his willingness to “lick arse”—a phrase used to describe his diplomatic approach—might not be popular but was necessary to protect the country’s economic and health interests.
He also reiterated the wealth of South Africa, which holds top positions in global production of commodities like chrome, platinum, gold, and coal. However, he lamented that this wealth hasn’t trickled down to benefit the average South African. McKenzie argued that the country must seize the opportunity it currently has, particularly as Trump’s actions may present both a challenge and a chance to grow and develop without external interference.
Meanwhile, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have weighed in on the matter, calling for South Africa to strengthen ties with BRICS countries in light of Trump’s executive orders. The EFF sees the move as part of a broader US policy driven by emotion and misinformation, particularly regarding South Africa’s stance on Palestine and its legal action against Israel. According to the EFF, Trump’s actions are rooted in South Africa’s diplomatic support for the Palestinian cause rather than any legitimate concerns about land expropriation or the treatment of Afrikaners.
In a surprising development, AfriForum and the Solidarity Movement, two organizations representing Afrikaner interests, have distanced themselves from Trump’s offer of refuge. After initially supporting the idea, they backtracked, asserting that the future of Afrikaners lies in South Africa and calling for Ramaphosa to engage in dialogue over the country’s expropriation policy.
These complex interactions between South Africa and the United States underscore the delicate balance of diplomacy, trade, and national interest. The need for thoughtful leadership has never been more apparent, as both countries navigate a shifting global landscape.
