ANC's Masina stresses party will not allow SA's sovereignty to be compromised by US spat

JOHANNESBURG - African National Congress (ANC) NEC member Mzwandile Masina has stressed that the party will not allow South Africa's sovereignty to be compromised in a diplomatic spat with the United States (US).

Last week, US President Donald Trump announced a decision to impose sanctions on South Africa over misconceptions in relation to the controversial Expropriation Act.

In recent weeks, Trump has openly criticised the South African government, accusing it of enabling violent land grabs that target white South Africans, particularly farmers.
 
While the ANC has not yet officially communicated its stance on Trump's executive order, Masina said actions undermining South Africa's sovereignty will not be taken lightly.

READ: SONA debate: Malema calls on Ramaphosa to stand firm against US threats

"We believe that President Trump is misinformed about what’s happening in South Africa. Even our white counterparts including AgriSA, people agree that there are no land grabs here, except in isolated incidents that happen everywhere."

READ: EU backs SA amid Trump administration freezing aid over Expropriation Act

Masina said the way forward is to sit down with the US as the country has misunderstood some of the country's policies.

"What we will attempt to do is to engage much more closely to try and see if we can find a solution but what is central in all this will be the sovereignty of South Africa. That we cannot compromise."

During his State of the Nation Address, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced a delegation would be sent to several countries to explain SA's policies.