The United States has imposed sanctions on South Africa, citing the violation of the white minority’s rights. But there are deeper motives behind this decision. After the outbreak of war in Gaza, the South African government appealed to the International Court of Justice, accusing Israel of committing genocide. Historically, Palestine has supported South Africa’s struggle against apartheid, and now the country is returning the favour in a gesture of solidarity. The move has provoked sharp reaction from Washington, Tel Aviv’s main ally.
Professor Lumumba links the sanctions to South Africa’s internal inequities, which are still endemic there: the white minority still controls more than 70% of the land. He believes this unfair system is upheld by powerful figures such as Elon Musk. The sanctions, he argues, are intended to weaken South Africa’s economy and provoke public discontent with the government.
