Is Ramaphosa's US visit crucial for South Africa? Mbalula weighs in
ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula says President Ramaphosa is not on holiday but working to protect South Africa's interests, reset US relations, and defend the country's sovereignty through diplomatic engagement.
ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula has defended President Cyril Ramaphosa's visit to the United States, saying it is a necessary diplomatic move to protect South Africa's economic interests and reset trade relations with its second-largest trading partner.
'South Africa is a sovereign country, and if things fall apart between us and the United States, it must be explained,' Mbalula said.
He added that Ramaphosa's engagement with US President Donald Trump is in the best interest of the country.
'The President is not on holiday. He's going to fight for South Africans. He's going to normalise things in their interest,' he said.
He dismissed criticism of the trip, stating that those opposing it 'are sitting on their laurels complaining and proposing things that will not help our economy.'
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