Union for General Industries Workers Warns Against Submitting to Trump Administration

Johannesburg – The General Industries Workers Union of South Africa (GIWUSA) has expressed its strong rejection and condemnation of what it sees as the humiliating submission before the “racist Trump Administration” by the South African Government of National Unity (GNU) and the African National Congress (ANC).

U.S. President Trump has enacted Executive Orders that cut aid to South Africa, expelled Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool, and extended offers of refugee status to disgruntled white farmers.

Trump’s appointment of pro-Israel conservative activist Leo Brent Bozell III as ambassador to South Africa is unlikely to mend the strained relationship between the U.S. and South Africa.

GIWUSA, a socialist-leaning union, cautioned against capitulating to Trump’s demands on Wednesday, 26 March 2025.

“Such actions serve no purpose other than to invite further imperialist intimidation while betraying South African workers who are being disarmed and stripped of the chance to defend their jobs,” GIWUSA stated in a release to The Bulrushes.

“Instead, the government finds itself in a pointless chase for understanding with a regime intent on crippling the South African economy.”

GIWUSA argued that the Trump administration is blatantly promoting the “most reactionary neofascists” and aims to inflict maximum harm on society, the environment, and the economy.

“Their goal is to turn the working class against the notion of a black majority democratic government, favoring rather the forces of racist white and right-wing populism,” the union added.

Since Trump’s re-election as President, South Africa has been under scrutiny from the U.S. due to its position regarding America’s ally, Israel.

South Africa has condemned Israel for alleged genocide against the people of Gaza and has escalated the issue to the International Court of Justice.

“An additional intention is to dissuade the ANC government from having the audacity to pursue an independent domestic and foreign policy,” GIWUSA continued.

“One clear method is through the torment of the working class, which commenced with the cruel termination of PEPFAR funding (which accounts for nearly 20% of South Africa’s AIDS-related expenditure), followed by the rollback of climate protections.”

“Thousands of healthcare workers were left without jobs without prior warning, due process, or compensation, leading to HIV, TB, and other patients losing essential support without notice or alternatives.”

The Desmond Tutu Foundation has warned that failing to reinstate the $440 million in USAID funds could result in over 600,000 early deaths among South Africans.

“While the GNU and ANC may argue they were caught off guard by the decisions regarding PEPFAR – claims that are open to debate – there will be no excuse for the forthcoming cuts to the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) and the reneging on Just Energy Transition Funding, especially in light of Trump’s blatant climate change denialism,” GIWUSA warned.

GIWUSA asserted that the impending end of AGOA benefits is part of an economic assault intended to “punish South Africa for its solidarity with the Palestinian liberation cause, while also upholding Trump’s protectionist trade agenda.”

GIWUSA indicated that the termination of AGOA when it expires in September should come as “no surprise” from a regime that has imposed significant tariff increases on its closest Western allies.

“The working class cannot afford to ignore the situation like the ruling class can,” GIWUSA asserted.

“We must confront reality head-on and prepare for what is coming.”

“We must completely reject the treacherous submission and capitulation to Trump, Marco Rubio, and Elon Musk.”