ANC CONDEMNS DONALD TRUMP'S INSULTS DIRECTED AT PRESIDENT NELSON MANDELA

8 September 2020

The African National Congress (ANC) condemns disparaging remarks attributed to President of the United States, Donald Trump, about President Nelson Mandela.

All freedom-loving people of the world are appalled by these insults which comes from.a person who, himself, is not a model of competent leadership. Trump is a divisive, misogynistic and disrespectful person ever to occupy the office of the President.

The icon of our struggle President Nelson Mandela stands in stark contrast to Trump. A unifying and principled leader, President Mandela reached out to the world and sought to bring peace and a just society. President Mandela also believed in good trade and sound diplomatic relations. He forged a strong friendship with President Bill Clinton, interacted with political leaders across the political spectrum and never let go of his principles for pragmatic short term goals.

The ANC is confident that President Mandela would have reached out to Donald Trump to teach him to understand the complex challenges of the developing world and shown him the wisdom to lift the blockade against Cuba. He would have invited him to visit Gaza to appreciate the pain of the Palestinian people and advised him to work with the international community to help find a lasting solution to the conflict in the Middle East.

President Mandela understood the value of international friendship amongst the countries of the world. The mark of a true leader is not how many enemies you create but how many friendships you cultivate even where strong differences of opinion exists.

President Nelson Mandela is an international icon, a revered freedom fighter and a great leader who will be remembered and celebrated for centuries to come.

Statement issued by the ANC, 8 September 2020