South Africa's ruling party, the African National Congress (ANC), has rejected demands from the US administration under former President Donald Trump to alter its policies, even at the risk of facing US sanctions. ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula emphasized that South Africa will not be coerced into abandoning its progressive economic transformation agenda or compromising its sovereignty in response to foreign trade pressures. This stance comes amid controversy over a proposal by South Africa's largest mining company and other business leaders to offer the US access to Africa's critical minerals, a move that angered the country's mining minister, who viewed it as an attempt by the firm to advance its own interests. Mbalula also accused the opposition Democratic Alliance (DA) of harboring a 'neo-imperialist mindset,' underscoring the ANC's firm position against external influence and interference in South Africa's economic policies.