Trump aid cuts ‘part of broader plan’ – Malema
EFF leader Julius Malema has condemned the United States’ actions towards South Africa, saying they are a retaliation for the country’s support for Palestine.
He spoke in Parliament on Thursday during a debate on Washington’s withdrawal of USAID funding for HIV/AIDS programmes in South Africa.
Malema accused the US of often fabricating human rights violations as a pretext for intervention in foreign nations.
"The growing calls by right-wing groups for foreign funding to establish independent states and to be armed by foreign interests must be recognised as part of a broader plan. This is the early stages of economic isolation, leading ultimately to military intervention. Next, AGOA will be terminated, escalating tensions between the USA and South Africa."
MKP MP Wesley Douglas said Trump's decision to suspend aid to South Africa was not an economic decision.
READ: Most USAID workers to be fired or placed on leave
"This is economic warfare and unethical medical blackmail, an attempt to strong-arm us into submission because we dare to stand for justice, land reform and for restoring the dignity of the oppressed. This is about about power, control by a minority of racist landowners and beneficiaries of colonialism and apartheid."
Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi, meanwhile, told MPs that they have been meeting with many potential new funders for the programmes, but none currently have spare cash.
"I believe Trump does not want to owe us any cent, and he does not owe South Africa. For that reason, we need to stand on our own. I am challenging this House. Can we call a debate on why we are still getting heavy subsidies to stay on private medical aids?”
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