Elections in any country tend to cause a stir, as the democracy of the people hangs on the line.
Like many other things, the elections in the United States of America are a matter of interest across the world as anything that happens in America tends to trickle into other countries.
Following the announcement of Donald Trump as the United States’ next president, the world, specifically South Africa has not held back their opinions on the matter.
Although Kamala Harris had led quite a promising presidential campaign, America’s former vice president fell short as history repeated itself as President Trump refused to accept defeat with a staggering 277 votes.
With Donald Trump set to take over the Oval Office once again, this time with the experience of having done this gig before, the future of global politics remains in limbo and the citizens have much to say about it.
In the short span that the announcement has been made, a couple of strong opinions have surfaced, with the strongest echoing the sentiment that as a country, the United States has proven to be quite conservative and is not for the empowerment and upliftment of women, with black women being at the bottom of the chain. Some users highlighted this by drawing comparisons to the three times Donald Trump ran for office.
According to users, Trump losing only when he ran against Joe Buddenk, a man, as opposed to winning against Hillary Clinton and now Kamala Harris is an indication of America’s opinion of women.
this election was nothing but a reminder that at the end of the day there is absolutely nothing that america hates more than black women & that is so so hurtful.
— ? (@lauxannette) November 6, 2024
Other users have expressed their disappointment in the citizens of the US for voting for Trump, as the newly elected POTUS is famously controversial, often spewing problematic and sometimes harmful rhetorics.
No bigger platform exists than the one Trump has been given, and if not treated with the utmost respect and caution, it could result in the destruction of not only the lives of many Americans but citizens in other countries as well, including South Africa.
Absolutely. Trump is racist, sexist, and homophobic. If you support him, what does that make you? https://t.co/LZpOFDutby
— Dentist the Menace (@SoTheyCallMeDJ) November 5, 2024
On the other hand, some users have brought forward the possibility of a higher influx of American citizens into South Africa, as can be witnessed in Cape Town. Although benefiting South Africa’s tourism and political leverage, it has proven to harm the local population as the standard of living has become extremely unaffordable.
Furthermore, with Elon Musk, a South African-born American billionaire in his corner, the future of black, midlle-class and lower class people have much to be concerned about.
To South Africans who are celebrating Trumps win, are you ready to accommodate more digital nomads in your cities ???
— ?? ??????? ? (@Akhona_PQ) November 6, 2024
Also see:‘I feel like I’m home honey!’ Billy Porter reflects on being on African soil for the first time
