The Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) says the decision by the US to halt aid funding to South Africa, is an opportunity for the country to strive for economic independence.

This comes after President Donald Trump’s administration paused US foreign development assistance for 90 days, affecting several African countries, including South Africa.

During a parliamentary debate on US-SA relations, IFP National spokesperson, Mkhuleko Hlengwa said that this aid halt should serve as a wake-up call for South Africa to re-evaluate its economic policies.

Hlengwa says this is the timely exercise for South Africa, because the country is in the budget season, therefore, the reprioritisation of the budget to respond to these challenges will be of critical importance.

“Secondly, it does mean cost cutting measures in certain departments in order to reroute funds will have to apply. What is of critical importance at this point in time is that South Africa has to recognise that we cannot be an aid developed country. We have to find our own help within our resources, skills and expertise, and so self-help and self-reliance as a means of economic independence, is important,” says Hlengwa.

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