'They just sat there': Fury as Trump slammed SA and ministers failed to defend the country
Parks Tau, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni and Ronald Lamola seen quietly observing as former US President Donald Trump criticises South Africa's land policies
Social media users have labelled Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola, and Trade Minister Parks Tau as 'useless' for remaining silent during a meeting with US President Donald Trump at the White House on Wednesday.
Critics slammed the trio for failing to speak up on key issues affecting South Africa.
The South African delegation to the United States included a mix of political, business, and public figures including, Democratic Alliance leader and Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen; professional golfers Ernie Els and Retief Goosen; Richemont founder and Remgro chair Johann Rupert; Business Unity South Africa Vice President Adrian Gore; and Congress of South African Trade Unions President Zingiswa Losi.
A central point of contention during the meeting was the controversial topic of land expropriation.
Trump delivered a sharp critique of South Africa's land policies, alleging the targeting of white Afrikaner farmers.
'We have thousands of people trying to come into our country because they fear they are going to be killed, and their land is going to be confiscated,' Trump said.
'You are taking people's land away, and those people, in many cases, are being executed. They happen to be white, and most of them happen to be farmers.'
President Cyril Ramaphosa responded firmly, emphasising that South Africa's Constitution protects land ownership while seeking to address historical injustices.
'The South African Constitution protects land ownership,' Ramaphosa said.
'And we are seeking to address the injustices of the past within the rule of law.'
While Ramaphosa spoke, Ntshavheni, Lamola, and Tau remained silent, looking at each other, smiling, and simply watching.
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