South African tycoon Patrice Motsepe has reacted to the firestorm that his comments have unleashed about US President Donald Trump, that "Africa loves you" during the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, last week.
Footage of the businessman's remarks has triggered controversy for people who did not share the same thoughts as Motsepe, arguing that the billionaire can't speak on the nation's behalf, The Associated Press reported.
In the video during group dinner, Motsepe was heard saying "Africa loves America. Africa loves you." Hearing this, Trump replied and congratulated Motsepe: "You have done a great job, thank you very much."
The US commander in chief is an incredibly divisive figure, and as soon as the footage of Motsepe lauding Trump exploded on social media, it put the prominent South African in a whole pile of trouble.
Even Africa's National Congress Party has come out to bash the comments made by the philanthropist, saying there's "No love for The Donald."
Tito Mboweni, South African Finance Minister, said that Motsepe's statements do not reflect the continent's general perspective.
Sihle Zikalala, KwaZulu-Natal Province premier, took it further, responding that the US President does not have a relationship with Africa's National Congress Party, the Associated Press disclosed.
Trump has been lambasted for his comments about Africa, including one which compared the African nations to a dirty toilet, which sparked widespread indignation from Africans and even leaders from other countries.
In a statement released late Tuesday, Motsepe said the controversy over his words had made him vulnerable to different opinions. "It's my responsibility to listen to these differing views and I want to apologize," he said, adding that he does not have the right to speak on behalf of any people, except to himself.
Motsepe explained that his remarks were in part intended to foster a positive working relationship between African political leaders and the Trump administration and that he did not mean to incite controversy or upset anybody.
Forbes lists Motsepe as the first black African on its billionaires list. He is the brother-in-law of South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa.
In other news, the Trump administration is poised to add several African regions to its travel restriction list, including Africa's major tech hub, Nigeria.
The Politico first reported that Washington is looking at Nigeria, Sudan, Tanzania, and Eritrea for new travel bans, in line with the three-year anniversary of Trump's executive order that targeted mostly Muslim countries.
The US travel ban was first announced in 2017, which was challenged, revised and upheld by the US Supreme Court.
The US State Department refused to comment on a Tech Crunch request to validate an extension of the travel restriction to Nigeria or other African regions.
