Three things are certain in life, death, taxes and South Africans being divided over politics in the country.
However, when the nation faces a foreign threat, such as the brooding anti-South African rhetoric building in the house and fanned by Donald Trump, Elon Musk and other leaders, a lot of Mzansi's citizens band together to show the world a united front.
Amid the bombardment of the country's politics and the proliferation of conspiracies, President Cyril 'Cupcake' Ramaphosa took a stand at the State of the Nation Address (SONA) delivered in Cape Town on Thursday, February 6.
He told the globe: "We are a resilient people. We will not be bullied. We will stand together as a united nation. We will speak with one voice in defence of our national interest, our sovereignty and our constitutional democracy.
"By staying true to our values, by harnessing our unique strengths and endowments, and by forging a common purpose, we can turn these trying circumstances to our advantage and propel our country forward."
This inspired confidence in South Africans who confessed that they have their own issues with the president but agree with his proclamation.
With 'We will not be bullied' trending on social media, here were some comments shared on X:
"Watching the SONA reminds you that we have the structures of a country—the bones of something spectacular. The patriot in me can't deny the love I have for the republic, despite it all," wrote Siphosihle Mbuli.
Another X user brought up that people can call Ramaphosa 'Cupcake' to his face with no repercussions. "The way we can call our president 'Cupcake' to his face and not face any repercussions? Oh South Africa you can be accused of many things but never freedom of speech."
Thuuso van Zyl passed on Ramaphosa's message: "Hi Donald and Elon, during the SONA, our president said, we will not be bullied by you. So, If Elon wants Starlink in SA, it must have a black partner. We still standing with Palestine. Voetsek."
"Commander in chief, unbowed and unbothered. No retreat, no surrender. Lead us Matamela. We will not be bullied. Madiba once said the US has done some of the most horrible things but want to be the moral compass of the world," said Ora Tyl.
IOL