Cyril Ramaphosa addresses the United Nations, emphasizing the need to challenge “might is right” world order.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa delivered a pointed critique of a shifting global order in his state-of-the-nation address, warning against a world dominated by “narrow self-interest” and the powerful imposing themselves on the weak. Speaking in Cape Town, he emphasized the need for tolerance, solidarity, and defending human dignity. Though he did not name him, the remarks clearly rebuked Donald Trump and his America First policies, which have strained Pretoria–Washington relations. Since his return to the White House, the US leader has falsely accused South Africa of genocide against White farmers, criticized its ties with Iran, imposed a punishing 30% tariff—the highest in sub-Saharan Africa—and orchestrated a humiliating White House meeting, followed by a boycott of Johannesburg’s G20 summit. Despite Ramaphosa’s repeated assurances that America remains a valued partner, his latest remarks signal growing recognition that appeasing Trump is futile.
Bloomberg