South Africa joins world leaders congratulating Trump on historic victory

Johannesburg, South Africa – President Cyril Ramaphosa is among the first word leaders to extend their congratulations to America’s President-elect Donald Trump following his historic return to office.

Trump claimed victory Tuesday with 277 electoral votes on Tuesday, while his opponent Kamala Harris, trailed behind with 224. The race was remarkably historic, it comes just four years after voters ejected him from the office, having survived two assassination, and interestingly more than 30 felony convictions.

In a tweet shared on X early Wednesday, Ramaphosa expressed his determination in building on the existing partnership between South Africa and the US. “I look forward to continuing the close and mutually beneficial partnership between our two nations across all domains of our cooperation.”

Ramaphosa added: “On the global stage, we anticipate a productive G20 Presidency in 2025, with the US set to succeed us in 2026,”

Ramaphosa’s congratulations followed a wave of other messages from a handful of renowned head of states across the world, among them Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has had a difficult relationship with outgoing President Joe Biden.

“Dear Donald and Melania Trump, congratulations on history’s greatest comeback! Your historic return to the White House offers a new beginning for America and a powerful recommitment to the great alliance between Israel and America. This is a huge victory! In true friendship,” Netanyahu shared on X.

Notably, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who had expressed his strong support for Harris, wished Trump “luck and success”, adding that “the world needs dialogue and joint work for more peace, development and prosperity”.

More Trump congratulatory messages: France, Germany, Ukraine, India

▪️France President Emmanuel Macron

“Congratulations, President @realDonaldTrump. Ready to work together as we did for four years. With your convictions and mine. With respect and ambition. For more peace and prosperity.”

▪️German Chancellor Olaf Scholz

“I congratulate @realDonaldTrump on his election as US President. For a long time, Germany and the US have been working together successfully promoting prosperity and freedom on both sides of the Atlantic. We will continue to do so for the wellbeing of our citizens.”

▪️India Prime Minister Narendra Modi

“Heartiest congratulations my friend @realDonaldTrump on your historic election victory. As you build on the successes of your previous term, I look forward to renewing our collaboration to further strengthen the India-US Comprehensive Global and Strategic Partnership. Together, let’s work for the betterment of our people and to promote global peace, stability and prosperity.”

▪️Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky

“Congratulations to @realDonaldTrumpon his impressive election victory! I recall our great meeting with President Trump back in September, when we discussed in detail the Ukraine-U.S. strategic partnership, the Victory Plan, and ways to put an end to Russian aggression against Ukraine. I appreciate President Trump’s commitment to the “peace through strength” approach in global affairs. This is exactly the principle that can practically bring just peace in Ukraine closer. I am hopeful that we will put it into action together.”