ANC: No need to panic over Trump’s USAID ‘re-evaluation’
The ANC has assured South Africans there is no need to panic over U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to reevaluate and realign the country’s foreign aid programmes,
Last week, an executive order signed by Trump said, “It is currently impossible to access sufficient information in one place to determine whether the foreign assistance policies and interests supported by appropriations are not duplicated, are effective, and are consistent with President Trump's foreign policy”.
The executive order temporarily suspends foreign assistance for 90 days to review its alignment with the "America First" policy.
The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), which manages civilian foreign aid, has been a key partner for South Africa.
Between 2012 and 2021, the country received over $6 billion in U.S. assistance, making it the ninth-largest recipient globally.
ANC NEC member Zuko Godlimpi said the party would monitor developments but remains confident South Africa is not at immediate risk.
"We have noted the statement by Secretary of State Marco Rubio. But, as a general rule, we are paying attention to the agenda of the Trump administration.
"We've noted that they are reviewing USAID across the board. There’s no need for panic as yet. Initially, they said they were cancelling the aid, but now they are reviewing it to re-rationalise, as any administration would.
“So other than that, there’s not much to say at the moment. We will see what they decide once the review is complete," said Godlimpi.
USAID funding in South Africa has played a vital role in various developmental and health programmes.
Through the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), a significant portion of the funds has been directed toward combating HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis.
This includes providing antiretroviral therapy, prevention programs, and strengthening health systems.
Other health initiatives funded by USAID include reducing maternal and infant mortality rates and improving healthcare access for women and children.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, USAID supported vaccine distribution, healthcare infrastructure improvements, and public health campaigns.
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