US Ambassador clarifies Trump’s ‘controversial’ remarks on South Africa

The new US Ambassador to South Africa may find herself acting as a “Trump Translator” on a number of occasions in her new role. Lana Marks took the job earlier this year, following a 32-month vacancy. She began her work in earnest earlier this month, and she’s been quick to defuse bubbling diplomatic tension.

You don’t need us to tell you that Donald Trump is a controversial figure. He’s very much the Marmite President – you either love him or hate him. His outspoken opinions have, albeit sporadically, also reached the shores of Mzansi. He’s never been one to hold back, and he didn’t give SA any special treatment.

What Donald Trump has said about South Africa

In Tweets from both 2013 and 2015, the would-be POTUS labelled South Africa a crime-ridden mess. He also labelled the judge in the Oscar Pistorious case a “moron” during this timeframe, but that issue is very much water under the bridge.

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

I really like Nelson Mandela but South Africa is a crime ridden mess that is just waiting to explode-not a good situation for the people!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 13, 2013

Lana Marks appeared on Radio 702 on Thursday afternoon, and she was confronted by the debatable issues Trump had previously raised regarding South Africa. The diplomat stayed true to her profession, and calmly reasoned that the “blue-collar billionaire” has a bark worse than his bite:

“President Trump is a blue-collar billionaire. He used to go on building sites in New York and speak the language. So what he is really saying – if I may interpret that – is that these are obstacles to increasing an incredible relationship with South Africa”.

“All the errors that President Trump has addressed in the past is just him illustrating the problem areas. He doesn’t want to interfere with the big picture. He is talking about the negatives that we need to address and President Ramaphosa is addressing.”

Lana Marks

Lana Marks – and golf – to the rescue

Earlier this month, Marks revealed that Trump sees Cyril Ramaphosa in a positive light. She claims that the South African president – who has a business background like his American counterpart – has already impressed The Donald through their shared passion for golf:

“Trump is very supportive of South Africa, particularly with trade and investment. We are happy that land reform is on track, and it is being done transparently. It’s an incredible time – President Cyril Ramaphosa is also a businessman, they share business interests, and they share golf, so it’s a great time.”

Lana Marks