Donald Trump is officially the 45th President of the United States (POTUS).
Trump secured 276 electoral votes over Hillary Clinton’s 218 votes, to clinch the American presidency, at around 9:20am South African time today.
Naturally the world, including South Africa, took to Twitter to express their disbelief, shock, horror, joy,excitement and a mix of other emotions over the occurrence.
Local politicians have also put in their two cents, with most expressing negative feelings towards Trumps win.
Minister of Sports and Recreation, Fikile Mbalula, has had quite a bit to say in the last hour, tweeting three consecutive times about Trump.
Donald Trump quote : pic.twitter.com/MMKVZcDfSB
— RSA Min of Sport (@MbalulaFikile) November 9, 2016
Trump predicted longtime ago pic.twitter.com/Gp24kVmCGL
— RSA Min of Sport (@MbalulaFikile) November 9, 2016
The illusion and fantasies created that Hilary would “protect” Africa’s or other interests is the most hilarious. pic.twitter.com/02XqJWUFMy
— RSA Min of Sport (@MbalulaFikile) November 9, 2016
DA spokesperson, Phumzile van Damme, tweeted the result was “unreal” and America needs to be put in rice (referring to the old myth that putting your mobile in rice after it falls in water will help fix it).
Unreal. The American people have spoken. Democracy. https://t.co/RUhpOyapH9
— Phumzile Van Damme (@zilevandamme) November 9, 2016
Put America in rice
— Phumzile Van Damme (@zilevandamme) November 9, 2016
EFF leader, Julius Malema, is yet to tweet, but has retweeted Mbalula and US-based South African author, Zakes Mda.
Donald Trump quote : pic.twitter.com/MMKVZcDfSB
— RSA Min of Sport (@MbalulaFikile) November 9, 2016
Whether POTUS is Democrat or Republican it makes no difference to the children of Afghanistan. Drones will continue to rain bombs on them
— Zakes Mda (@ZakesMda) November 8, 2016
The EFF’s spokesperson, Mbuyiseni Ndlozi, however, made a very poetic statement on his account.
The emergence of the American subconscious – when secrete vote gave credence to secrete thoughts of a people a Trump emerges #ElectionNight
— Mbuyiseni Ndlozi (@MbuyiseniNdlozi) November 9, 2016
DA leader, Mmusi Maimane, is yet to tweet on the matter. His last tweet was on Parliament and the ANC NEC being “captured” by the Gupta family.
His predecessor, Helen Zille who is usually (controversially) outspoken on Twitter began expressing dismay, even before Trump was declared the winner.
The latest news on the US Election is beyond comprehension. I could never comprehend why SA voters didn’t “Stop Zuma” — but THIS?
— Helen Zille (@helenzille) November 9, 2016
I’m incredulous. https://t.co/OL3XDRWj2s
— Helen Zille (@helenzille) November 9, 2016
[Image – CC Gage Skidmore]