Zuma congratulates Trump, as high-profile S. Africans react to news of his win
President Jacob Zuma has congratulated Donald Trump on becoming the 45th US president.
Zuma says he is looking forward to working with the Trump administration, and building on the strong relations that exist between South Africa and the US.
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"For now, this has a positive outcome. For one, the Americans have felt that this is their man. We are saying congratulations to him," Zuma said.
While Trump's team have yet to respond to the well-wishes, chances are that a visit by the new US president to South Africa may not happen too soon.
In the past, Trump has openly criticized South Africa - and Africa, saying: “African leaders oppress their people without anyone asking them a question”.
He also wrote this less-than-favourable tweet about the country, last year:
As I have long been saying, South Africa is a total - and very dangerous - mess. Just watch the evening news (when not talking weather).
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 20, 2015
This was something Tannie Evita Bezuidenhout - the alter-ego of satirist, Pieter-Dirk Uys, reminded the nation of.
"South Africa is a crime-ridden mess just waiting to explode," says President Donald Trump!
— Evita Bezuidenhout (@TannieEvita) November 9, 2016
Meanwhile, some of SA's most high-profile and well-known politicians and thought-leaders have taken to Twitter - in response to the billionaire property tycoon's surprising win.
ALSO READ: LISTEN: Newly-elected president Trump vows to make America great again
Sports minister Fikile Mbalula was quick to criticize Trump's Republican rival, Hillary Clinton.
The illusion and fantasies created that Hilary would "protect" Africa's or other interests is the most hilarious. pic.twitter.com/02XqJWUFMy
— RSA Min of Sport (@MbalulaFikile) November 9, 2016
The EFF's Mbuyiseni Ndlozi lambasted some Americans for 'secretly' voting for Trump.
The emergence of the American subconscious - when secrete vote gave credence to secrete thoughts of a people a Trump emerges #ElectionNight
— Mbuyiseni Ndlozi (@MbuyiseniNdlozi) November 9, 2016
Former SA Reserve Bank Governor, Tito Mboweni, expressed shock over the news of Trump's win at the polls over favourite, Clinton.
Oh Lord! What have we done on this earth to deserve this outcome? Can't deal!
— Tito Mboweni (@tito_mboweni) November 9, 2016
Meanwhile, former Cosatu Secretary General Zwelinzima Vavi called-out South African's on their hypocrisy for criticizing American's for voting for Trump - considering they had elected President Zuma to highjer office - twice.
If South Africa voted president Zuma twice why should America not vote president Donald Trump?
— Zwelinzima Vavi (@Zwelinzima1) November 9, 2016
Zimbabwean media mogul, Trevor Ncube, reminded his 62000 Twitter followers that today was a historic day. He's been particularly vocal on social media about his disagreement with Trump's political campaign.
So. Where were you and what were you doing, with who(m) when @realDonaldTrump became USA 🇺🇸 President Elect #Elections2016
— Trevor Ncube (@TrevorNcube) November 9, 2016
Western Cape Premier Helen Zille appeared flabbergasted by the announcement.
I'm incredulous. https://t.co/OL3XDRWj2s
— Helen Zille (@helenzille) November 9, 2016
The latest news on the US Election is beyond comprehension. I could never comprehend why SA voters didn't "Stop Zuma" -- but THIS?
— Helen Zille (@helenzille) November 9, 2016
Similarly, political commentators have expressed shock, concern, and downright disapointment over Trump's win.
So, wonder who is going to get the tender to build that wall.... #USElection2016
— Pierre de Vos (@pierredevos) November 9, 2016
#USElections pipe dreaming and all that... Bubble will burst sooner rather than later. Trump will be exposed for who he is.. https://t.co/2Hh9bpby8B
— judith february (@judith_february) November 9, 2016
And US ambassador to South Africa, Patrick Gaspard, had this to say.i wonder how black callers supporting Trump would feel if black Americans supported South African president Steve Hofmeyr in 2019. THINK!
— Eusebius McKaiser (@Eusebius) November 9, 2016
It's been a joy to watch POTUS on this last ride at the rodeo. He still speaks to the aspirational soul of America. https://t.co/hlRBQy6DWm
— Ambassador Gaspard (@patrickgaspard) November 7, 2016