Al Mayadeen English

  • Ar
  • Es
  • x
Al Mayadeen English

Slogan

  • News
    • Politics
    • Economy
    • Sports
    • Arts&Culture
    • Health
    • Miscellaneous
    • Technology
    • Environment
  • Articles
    • Opinion
    • Analysis
    • Blog
    • Features
  • Videos
    • NewsFeed
    • Video Features
    • Explainers
    • TV
    • Digital Series
  • Infographs
  • In Pictures
  • • LIVE
News
  • Politics
  • Economy
  • Sports
  • Arts&Culture
  • Health
  • Miscellaneous
  • Technology
  • Environment
Articles
  • Opinion
  • Analysis
  • Blog
  • Features
Videos
  • NewsFeed
  • Video Features
  • Explainers
  • TV
  • Digital Series
Infographs
In Pictures
  • Africa
  • Asia
  • Asia-Pacific
  • Europe
  • Latin America
  • MENA
  • Palestine
  • US & Canada
BREAKING
Reuters: The Rapid Support Forces announced that they have taken over the headquarters of the Sudanese Armed Forces in al-Fasher.
Al Mayadeen correspondent: An Israeli drone strike targeted the town of Al-Qlailah, Southern Lebanon.
Al Mayadeen's correspondent in South Lebanon: Israeli drone strikes town of Harouf, Nabatieh district.
Factions' statement: The attendees agreed to support and continue implementing the ceasefire agreement measures, including the withdrawal of the occupation and lifting the siege.
Factions' statement: Calling for an end to all forms of torture and violations against prisoners in occupation prisons and the necessity of obligating the occupation to do so.
Statement: The current moment is crucial, making the meeting a true turning point toward national unity in defense of our people and their right to life, dignity, and freedom.
Factions' statement: Call for an urgent meeting of all Palestinian forces and factions to agree on a national strategy.
Factions' statement: Continuing joint work to unify visions and positions to confront the challenges facing the Palestinian cause.
Statement of the factions: Emphasis on the unity of the Palestinian political system and the independent national decision.
Statement: Approval to establish an international committee to oversee the financing and implementation of the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip.

South African president rejects Trump’s threat: We will not be bullied

  • By Al Mayadeen English
  • Source: Agencies
  • 7 Feb 2025 19:50
3 Min Read

Ramaphosa has emphasized South Africa's resilience and commitment to defending its sovereignty and democracy.

Listen
  • x
  • South African President Cyril Ramaphosa gestures for the national anthem from the steps of Cape Town’s city hall before delivering his annual state of the union address, Thursday, February 6, 2025 (AP)
    South African President Cyril Ramaphosa gestures for the national anthem from the steps of Cape Town’s city hall before delivering his annual State of the Union address, on Thursday, February 6, 2025 (AP)

In his annual address to the nation, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa appeared to respond to US President Donald Trump's threats, asserting that his country would "not be bullied."

Ramaphosa's comment was interpreted as a reaction to Trump's vow to cut all US funding to South Africa over a newly passed land expropriation law, although Ramaphosa did not specifically name Trump.

“We are witnessing the rise of nationalism and protectionism, the pursuit of narrow interests and the decline of common cause,” Ramaphosa stated in Parliament.

“This is the world that we, as a developing economy, must now navigate. But we are not daunted. We will not be deterred. We are a resilient people. We will not be bullied. We will stand together as a united nation and we will speak with one voice in defense of our national interests, our sovereignty and our constitutional democracy,” he added.

His remarks were met with applause from Parliament and the audience.

Related News

Trump secures trade, critical minerals deals at ASEAN summit

Cuba expresses solidarity with Colombia over US sanctions

Why it matters

The statement comes after Trump criticized South Africa on his Truth Social platform, accusing the country of “confiscating land” and committing “massive human rights violations,” without giving specifics. Trump's criticism seemed focused on the land expropriation law passed by South Africa, which allows for the redistribution of land for public good.

Ramaphosa's government has defended the law, emphasizing it targets unused land and includes legal safeguards to prevent arbitrary seizures.

Ramaphosa's spokesperson responded to Trump's accusations and related criticism from Elon Musk, calling them "misinformation". Musk, born in South Africa, has criticized the government, claiming the law unfairly targets the white minority.

Trump’s remarks followed his decision to freeze US aid to South Africa, including a 90-day halt on funding for its large HIV/AIDS program. Ramaphosa expressed concern over the freeze, stating that the country would seek ways to maintain essential services for those affected by HIV/AIDS.

The speech also highlighted South Africa’s domestic agenda, with Ramaphosa announcing a $50 billion investment plan to improve infrastructure over the next three years, including projects for roads, bridges, dams, and modernization of seaports and airports. This initiative, he said, would “power our economy.”

Read more: South Africa threatens to withhold minerals amid US aid cut: FP

  • United States
  • US aid
  • South Africa
  • Ramaphosa
  • Cyril Ramaphosa
  • Donald Trump

Most Read

From previous scenes of the Qassam Brigades targeting an Israeli D9 bulldozer with a Yassin 105 shell, east of Deir al-Balah. (Military Media of the Qassam Brigades)

US knew fatal Rafah blast cause was not Hamas op., says journalist

  • Politics
  • 20 Oct 2025
'Israel’s Digital Iron Dome: Weaponizing the web against Palestine

'Israel’s Digital Iron Dome: Weaponizing the web against Palestine

  • Technology
  • 24 Oct 2025
Abu Hamza, the spokesperson for the Al-Quds Brigades, during a speech televised on October 22, 2025 (Al-Quds Brigades Military Media)

Al-Quds Brigades' Abu Hamza mourns leaders, vows continued resistance

  • Politics
  • 22 Oct 2025
US missionary kidnapped in Niger capital, suspected taken toward Mali

US missionary kidnapped in Niger capital, suspected taken toward Mali

  • Africa
  • 23 Oct 2025

Coverage

All
War on Gaza

Read Next

All
Undated photo of Hanwha Ocean’s Goeje Shipyard in South Korea (Hanwha Ocean)
Politics

China counters US maritime bloc with sanctions on Hanwha Ocean

Catherine Connolly speaks after being after being elected as the new President of Ireland at Dublin Castle, Ireland, Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025. (AP)
Politics

Connolly wins Irish presidency in blow to political establishment

Buildings destroyed during the Israeli air and ground offensive are seen in the Al-Shati camp, in Gaza City, Friday, Oct. 24, 2025. (AP)
Politics

'Israel's' post-ceasefire demolitions in Gaza violate agreement: Hamas

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi attends the 17th annual BRICS summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, July 7, 2025 (AP)
Politics

Iran’s Araghchi: Our nuclear bomb is resilience, not weapons

Al Mayadeen English

Al Mayadeen is an Arab Independent Media Satellite Channel.

All Rights Reserved

  • x
  • Privacy Policy
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Authors
Android
iOS