Pretoria – South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola has found himself in a sharp public exchange with the United States government after making pointed remarks about the MAGA movement and its stance on human rights.
Speaking during what appeared to be a parliamentary debate, Lamola turned his attention to the Democratic Alliance and its perceived alignment with American conservative politics, directing his remarks at a fellow member of parliament.
“We know that in the US, the MAGA movement is very clear to attack black people. We know what they stand for. They stand against the human rights of women and the LGBTQI communities. It is driven by a particular ideology,” Lamola said. 
He then put a direct challenge to the DA member he was addressing. “Is he aligning the DA with this position? Is he part of this movement that is against human rights, is against progressive outlook in the group? If this is the position, the DA must clearly declare for the people of South Africa to know their alliance with this movement,” he said.
The remarks drew a swift and stinging response from the Bureau of African Affairs at the US Government, which hit back directly at Lamola on social media.
“FM @RonaldLamola, you blame concerns about violence and failed governance on ‘MAGA politics.’ Ghana and Nigeria just airlifted their citizens out of your country. Thousands of South Africans are fleeing to America to escape your government’s left-wing policies. Unemployment still remains at 33% while you and corrupt government elites get rich while promoting race-based laws and chanting ‘Kill the Boer.’ If caring about your own citizens is MAGA, South Africa might want to give it a try,” the Bureau of African Affairs said.
