Mandela’s grandson slams Trump racism
NELSON MANDELA’s grandson, Member of Parliament Mandla Mandela has called on Americans to protest against US President Donald Trump’s racism and to reject such leaders who marginalise and denigrate other racial groups.
“We are very disappointed, as the Mandela family, that someone of Trump’s stature – president of one of the oldest democracies – can make such racist utterances,” Mandela told Independent Media.
“The US was built on the blood, sweat and lives of Africans and his racist statement last week is not only offensive to Africans, but to the descendants of slaves in America.
“We call on all Americans and other nationalities to adhere to Madiba’s internationalism and protest against Trump,” he said.
The wave of controversy continues regarding Trump’s remark last week to Congressional lawmakers at the White House, referring to Haiti, El Salvador and African countries as “s***holes”.
The UN and the AU have described his remarks as racist, and US ambassadors and chargé d’affaires are continuing to be summoned by their host countries to express their outrage.
Yesterday the Department of International Relations and Cooperation in Pretoria summoned US chargé d’Affaires Jessye Lapenn for a démarche.
While the meeting was due to take place in the evening, because of Lapenn’s unavailability, the US embassy was at pains to emphasise the importance of strong relations between South Africa and the US based on mutual respect and understanding.
Cindy Harvey, the US embassy spokesperson, said: “The US deeply respects the people of Africa and values its partnerships with them.
“There has been no change in the US’s dedication to our partners and friends across the continent…
“Our partnership with Africa and our commitment to continued growth and success is unwavering, and our progress forward will not be diverted by anything contrary to those goals.”
While the US embassy may be engaged in damage control, according to political analyst Dr David Monyae, “Trump’s remark paints him as someone who is a racist and does not regard Africa as an equal partner.
“The existing trend of the Trump administration is that it doesn’t take Africa seriously, especially considering it has delayed appointing ambassadors in Africa and has cut humanitarian and developmental financing.”
A year after Trump was sworn in as US president, his administration is yet to appoint an ambassador to South Africa.
Trump himself responded to the furore late on Sunday night as he arrived at the Trump International Golf Course in Florida, saying: “I’m not a racist. I’m the least racist person you will ever interview.”
African ambassadors to the UN have demanded an apology from Trump for his remark.
The group of over 50 nations said after an emergency meeting in New York on Friday that they were “extremely appalled at, and strongly condemn the outrageous, racist and xenophobic remarks”.
The ambassadors said they were concerned at the growing trend in the US administration to denigrate the African continent and people of colour.
‘We call on all Americans and other nationalities to adhere to Madiba’s internationalism’