South African economist and political analyst Moeletsi Mbeki has warned that the country will never win a trade war with the United States. Mbeki says South African leaders must adopt a more collaborative approach, setting aside arrogance and instead working closely with the White House.
Mbeki also criticized Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy Gwede Mantashe’s suggestion to withdraw the sale of minerals to the USA. He says the South African government must take a more strategic and diplomatic approach to international trade relations.
“There is no fight that South Africa can win with the USA. You have people like Gwede Mandashe who says, “Let’s not sell them our platinum. Platinum was crucial during the time of fossil fuel vehicles to clean vehicle exhaust. The world is now moving towards electric cars,” Mbheki said.
Economist Moeletsi Mbeki’s sentiments came on the heels of former President Donald Trump’s executive order to withdraw US aid to South Africa. This move was sparked by Trump’s accusations that the South African government was perpetuating “white oppression” through the Land Expropriation Act.
South Africa’s Mineral Resources Minister, Gwede Mantashe, suggested that the country might withhold its mineral exports to the United States. Mantashe’s statement came amidst tensions following President Donald Trump’s decision to cut US aid to South Africa over a contentious land expropriation law.
Recently, the South African Ambassador to the USA, Ebrahim Rassool, was expelled by the US government on Sunday. This move has further strained the already tense relations between the two countries.
