South Africa’s Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, Gwede Mantashe, has issued a strong response to potential U.S. aid cuts by former President Donald Trump. Mantashe stated, “If Trump withdraws aid, we can withdraw minerals,” signaling that South Africa could leverage its rich mineral resources in retaliation.
This comes amid growing concerns over U.S. foreign policy under a possible second Trump administration. South Africa, a major global supplier of essential minerals like platinum, gold, and rare earth elements, plays a crucial role in international trade.
Mantashe’s statement has sparked debate, with some praising his firm stance on national sovereignty, while others worry about potential economic consequences.