RAMAPHOSA SLAMS DISINFORMATION CAMPAIGN, WARNS OF CONSEQUENCES

President Cyril Ramaphosa.

By Mpho Dube, Editor-in-Chief of The Azanian

President Cyril Ramaphosa has delivered a stern warning to individuals and groups spreading misinformation about South Africa, saying their actions are undermining the country's national interests and straining relations with the United States.

In a national address, Ramaphosa attributed the US administration's stance to a "sustained campaign of disinformation" by certain groups and individuals within South Africa and abroad.

He emphasized that these actors are "endangering and undermining South Africa's national interests, destroying South African jobs, and weakening our country's relations with one of our most important partners".

The President's warning comes after the US boycotted the recent G20 Leaders' Summit in Johannesburg, citing false allegations of genocide against Afrikaners and land confiscation from white people. Ramaphosa dismissed these claims as "blatant misinformation" and reaffirmed South Africa's commitment to participating as a full, active, and constructive member of the G20.

Ramaphosa stressed that South African problems must be solved by South Africans themselves and invited those spreading misinformation to participate in the National Dialogue, saying, "We must never allow others to try to redefine our country and cause divisions among us or dictate who we are as a nation".

The President's address highlighted South Africa's progress on issues like gender-based violence, economic recovery, and climate adaptation, emphasizing the country's commitment to cooperation and global action on inequality.