'SA should follow Canada's playbook against Trump'

South Africa needs to follow Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's lead when dealing with America and not go it alone when trying to champion the cause of Venezuela, for instance.

That's according to political journalist and author John Matisson, who unpacked his recent News24 opinion piece on CapeTalk's Views and News show.

The South African government has asked for an urgent UN Security Council meeting to tackle the US attack on oil-rich Venezuela and the capture of its president, Nicholas Maduro, and his wife.

Matisson says, when Trump looks at South Africa, he sees a weak country that he can bully, and for this reason, Cyril Ramaphosa's government should seek alliances.

"We can't just assume that we can do what we like and there won't be consequences. We need to think things through and work together with others.

"We've got to be very smart. We're in a dangerous world now. We see it every day. Donald Trump can do things that would be considered unthinkable even by other American presidents, and so we've got to box smart.

He gives the example of Carney. "He is pulling out all the stops to get around the problems that Trump creates for Canada.

"He doesn't shout loudly, he walks quietly, but he's very, very active in finding alternative markets. He's cancelling American contracts. And he's showing that there's a life after Donald Trump."

To listen to Matisson, use the audio player below: