South African President Cyril Ramaphosa stood firm against recent U.S. criticism in a national speech Thursday.
His words came after U.S. President Donald Trump and other top U.S. officials spoke against South African policies. Ramaphosa pointed to growing world problems, noting how countries put their own needs first and work less together.
"We, as South Africans, are strong people. We will not bend to pressure," Ramaphosa told the nation.
Trump claimed South Africa was taking land through a new law signed in the past month. South African leaders say this is wrong information. The law lets the government take property without payment in some cases if they see it helps the public good.
Trump, who takes advice from South Africa-born Elon Musk, said South Africa treats some groups of people badly. He warned he might cut money sent to help the country.
The land question remains a hard issue in South Africa. White owners still hold most farmland 30 years after the end of white rule. The government faces calls to make changes.
Musk joined the debate on his X site. He said Ramaphosa's government made laws that treat people differently based on race.
His words came after U.S. President Donald Trump and other top U.S. officials spoke against South African policies. Ramaphosa pointed to growing world problems, noting how countries put their own needs first and work less together.
"We, as South Africans, are strong people. We will not bend to pressure," Ramaphosa told the nation.
Trump claimed South Africa was taking land through a new law signed in the past month. South African leaders say this is wrong information. The law lets the government take property without payment in some cases if they see it helps the public good.
Trump, who takes advice from South Africa-born Elon Musk, said South Africa treats some groups of people badly. He warned he might cut money sent to help the country.
The land question remains a hard issue in South Africa. White owners still hold most farmland 30 years after the end of white rule. The government faces calls to make changes.
Musk joined the debate on his X site. He said Ramaphosa's government made laws that treat people differently based on race.
