South Africa's International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola has delivered a stern rebuke to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, stating that South Africa does not seek validation from the United States. Lamola's response comes after Rubio criticized South Africa's policies, including its land expropriation law and transformation policies aimed at addressing historical racial inequality.
In a diplomatic but firm letter, Lamola emphasized that South Africa's path is guided by its sovereign laws and people. He defended the country's redress policies, describing them as "the fulfilment of a promise made to all South Africans as we emerged from the darkness of apartheid". Lamola also highlighted South Africa's progress since 1994, citing improvements in GDP, access to water and electricity, and human development index.
"The world is watching. It is growing weary of double standards. It is tired of lectures on democracy from those who seem to have forgotten that democracy, at its best, must listen as much as it speaks," Lamola wrote in his letter. He added that South Africa does not seek US approval for its path, but rather seeks respectful partnership.
Lamola's statement has been seen as a strong defense of South Africa's sovereignty, with many interpreting it as a message that the country will not be swayed by external pressure. The exchange reflects the strained relations between the two countries, with Rubio accusing South Africa of "dishonesty and sabotage" and claiming its economy has stagnated.
The US has announced it won't invite South Africa to the G20 in 2026, citing South Africa's "radical agendas". However, Lamola has emphasized that South Africa is a founding member of the G20 and no single member has a unilateral right to exclude it.
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