Zwelinzima Vavi
SAFTU by General Secretary
The South African Federation of Trade Unions (SAFTU) strongly condemns the recent threats issued by former U.S. President Donald Trump to cut funding to South Africa based on baseless and right-wing-fueled allegations.
Trump’s claims that South Africa is “confiscating land” and “mistreating certain groups” are not only false but reflect a deep misunderstanding—or deliberate misrepresentation—of our nation’s efforts to redress centuries of colonial dispossession.
Defending the Expropriation Act
The Expropriation Act is a necessary legislative tool aimed at addressing the landlessness and property deprivation faced by the black majority after nearly 400 years of colonial and apartheid rule.
This Act seeks to correct historical injustices and create a more equitable society where land is fairly distributed.
Trump’s accusations are clearly the result of bad advice from extreme right-wing and racist groups like AfriForum, and even from ultra-conservative billionaires like Elon Musk, who has used his influence to undermine progressive reforms in his country of birth.
These voices are desperate to maintain the colonial-era power dynamics that continue to favor a privileged minority at the expense of the majority.
A Pattern of Bullying and Global Destabilization
Trump’s threats to South Africa are not isolated. They are part of a broader pattern of bullying and destabilization that he has directed at nations worldwide, particularly Panama, Canada, and Mexico.
1. Panama: Threats to Reclaim the Panama Canal
Trump recently escalated tensions with Panama by threatening to reclaim U.S. control of the Panama Canal, accusing the Panamanian government of excessive toll rates for American ships and allowing undue Chinese influence.
He warned that if Panama did not curb China’s involvement, the U.S. would consider military intervention to “protect American interests.” This blatant imperialist rhetoric harks back to a colonial mindset that seeks to dominate sovereign nations under the guise of protecting U.S. interests.
2. Canada and Mexico: Escalation of Trade Tensions
In early 2025, Trump imposed 25% tariffs on all goods from Canada and Mexico, citing national security concerns related to drug trafficking and illegal immigration.
This aggressive move has led to retaliatory measures from both countries. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced counter-tariffs on American products, while Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum signaled a similar response.
Trump’s actions threaten to destabilize North American economies, disrupt supply chains, and impose higher costs on ordinary workers and consumers across all three nations.
3. Attacks on Multinational Institutions:
Trump’s threats extend beyond individual countries to the very institutions designed to foster global cooperation.
He has repeatedly threatened to withdraw the U.S. from the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the World Health Organization (WHO), undermining multilateral efforts to address global challenges.
His reckless trade wars and isolationist policies have not only alienated traditional allies in Europe but have also fueled instability in the global economy.
Renewing Worker-to-Worker Internationalism
In the face of this rising tide of imperialist aggression and right-wing bullying, SAFTU calls for a renewed spirit of worker-to-worker internationalism.
Now more than ever, it is essential for the working classes across the globe to unite in solidarity against the forces that seek to divide us and maintain oppressive economic systems.
We call on workers in South Africa, Mexico, Panama, Canada, across Latin America, Europe, and the entire African continent to join hands in building a global front against imperialist domination and neoliberal exploitation.
The fight against Trump’s bullying is not just a fight for South Africa’s sovereignty—it’s a fight for global justice, equality, and dignity.
Workers around the world face common enemies: austerity, privatization, neoliberalism, and imperialism.
By strengthening our international ties and standing together in solidarity, we can resist these forces and build a future rooted in people before profits, land before corporate interests, and sovereignty before imperialism.
Rejecting Right-Wing Manipulation and Neocolonialism
South Africa must remain vigilant against the irrational and erratic behavior of Trump, who is now being weaponized by right-wing forces within our own borders to preserve neocolonial power relations.
These groups, emboldened by Trump’s rhetoric, seek to undermine our democratic processes and economic reforms that are essential for transformation and social justice.
We must categorically reject any attempts by foreign powers—or their local allies—to dictate our policies and interfere in our sovereign affairs.
South Africa is no longer a colony, and we will not be intimidated by the theatre of global dominance staged from Washington or any other foreign capital.
Call to Action
SAFTU calls on the South African government to:
1. Stand firm in defending the Expropriation Act and other transformative policies aimed at rectifying historical injustices.
2.Engage diplomatically, but with a clear and firm stance, rejecting any external threats to our sovereignty.
3.Mobilize mass support to resist both local and international attempts to undermine our democratic and economic reforms.
4.Forge stronger ties with progressive labor movements worldwide, building a united front against global austerity, imperialism, and neoliberal exploitation.