RT.com
27 Mar 2025, 15:40 GMT+10
Khalid Muhammad has touted independent systems and reduced reliance on foreign humanitarian support
The withdrawal of US foreign aid to South Africa is a "wake-up call" and an opportunity for transformation, according to South African politician and youth activist Khalid Muhammad.
In an interview with RT, the African National Congress (ANC) party's Western Cape spokesperson stated that South Africa "needs to start working much more closely, particularly at the level of the economics, with our BRICS partners."
"Russia, for example, becomes a key role player in this regard. Also, China becomes very, very important. Brazil, India, even Iran, markets that the Americans try to keep us away from, we must embrace those particular markets," Muhammad added.
He echoed South African President Cyril Ramaphosa's recent comments, agreeing that the country must accelerate efforts to build self-reliant systems, particularly in key sectors such as health and social development.
The administration of US President Donald Trump announced in February that it was terminating 90% of US Agency for International Development (USAID) contracts. The administration cited a failure to advance America's national interests, and effectively halted $60 billion in humanitarian spending worldwide.
Muhammad said that although the situation presents clear challenges, it is also pushing South Africa toward necessary economic diversification. He stressed that the current environment demands deeper cooperation with BRICS partners as well as renewed trade ties across Africa.
"Donald Trump's actions ... [have] in a sense pushed us into diversifying the markets for the South African economy," Muhammad said, suggesting that these changes are beneficial in the long term.
Addressing the immediate effects of US aid cuts, Muhammad pointed to the Western Cape as a region facing significant consequences. The provincial government - led by the opposition Democratic Alliance (DA) - had become heavily reliant on USAID funding for combatting tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS, Muhammad said, adding "that's where we're going to feel it the most".
READ MORE: Foreign aid has failed Africa - economist
Commenting on the recent expulsion of South Africa's ambassador from the US after he criticized Trump's policies, Muhammad confirmed that the issue is being handled diplomatically by the president and the Department of International Relations.
"We are saying that we need to be just, we need to be equal in the manner in which these issues are dealt with," he said, while reaffirming the ANC's dissatisfaction with how the US has handled the situation.
Get a daily dose of Johannesburg Life news through our daily email, its complimentary and keeps you fully up to date with world and business news as well.
Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to Johannesburg Life.
More InformationCAPE TOWN, South Africa: The U.S. Embassy in South Africa said it received a list of over 67,000 people interested in refugee status...
RALEIGH, North Carolina: North Carolina's highest court has ruled that a mother and her teenage son can pursue a lawsuit over a COVID-19...
WEST PALM BEACH, Florida: City officials in Fort Myers, Florida, voted last week to approve a new agreement allowing local police to...
WASHINGTON, D.C.: With flight delays rising and aviation safety under scrutiny, the U.S. government is preparing a sweeping modernization...
WASHINGTON, D.C.: The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has called for urgent safety checks on 68 bridges, including...
WASHINGTON, D.C.: U.S. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum has announced plans to open more land for oil and gas drilling in Alaska and...
CAPE TOWN, South Africa: The U.S. Embassy in South Africa said it received a list of over 67,000 people interested in refugee status...
New Delhi [India], March 28 (ANI): Noting that India's presence is becoming stronger in the global arena, Prime Minister Narendra Modi...
The remarks from Washington's mission are in response to reports that Trump has nominated a pro-Israel media activist as envoy to Pretoria...
The remarks from Washingtons mission are in response to reports that Trump has nominated a pro-Israel media activist as envoy to Pretoria...
New Delhi [India] March 28 (ANI): Bilateral trade between India and the US is likely to be signed by the end of the year, said Arvind...
Nqobile Mhlongo has accused the US of using an ambassadorial appointment to interfere in Pretoria's politics and sovereignty ...