A heated exchange in Parliament has sparked widespread debate across South Africa, after a lawmaker delivered a scathing critique of President Cyril Ramaphosa, accusing him of failing to connect with his people while allegedly showing deference to foreign leaders.
In a striking rebuke, the unnamed Member of Parliament confronted President Ramaphosa during a contentious session on Tuesday, stating, “You feel abused by your people, but you didn’t feel abused by Donald Trump in the White House.” The remark, referring to a past diplomatic meeting between Ramaphosa and former U.S. President Donald Trump, was delivered amid growing criticism of Ramaphosa’s leadership and perceived aloofness during a period of economic difficulty and political unrest.
The comment immediately drew strong reactions from both sides of the political aisle. Supporters of the President called the statement “disrespectful and inflammatory,” while opposition members hailed it as a necessary reflection of public sentiment.
The lawmaker’s criticism touches on broader frustrations regarding the government’s handling of ongoing issues such as unemployment, corruption, and service delivery failures. Critics argue that President Ramaphosa, once seen as a reformist figure, has become increasingly distant and defensive in response to mounting criticism.
In his response, President Ramaphosa did not directly address the Trump remark, but reaffirmed his commitment to the South African people. “I have always served this nation with integrity and humility. While criticism is part of democracy, I will not be distracted by personal attacks,” he said.