US ambassador Marks pours cold water on claims that Trump could cut aid to SA
US ambassador to South Africa Lana Marks says President Donald Trump has given her the mandate to support President Cyril Ramaphosa's administration.
Marks, a South African-born handbag designer, was sworn in as ambassador last month after she was confirmed in the US Senate.
RELATED: Lana Marks could be the next US ambassador to South Africa
She says the US Congress has made commitments to continue funding health programmes in South Africa.
As far as the aid to South Africa, Congress has given a commitment for 2020... I don't think that's [funding cuts] going to happen at all... I am confident in saying that the opposite is going to be what happens.
Lana Marks, US ambassador to South Africa
We want to assist President Cyril Ramaphosa's new Cabinet in any way we can.
Lana Marks, US ambassador to South Africa
Her top priorities are boosting trade and investment, fighting against HIV/Aids in the country and empowering youth and women.
According to Marks, 600 US companies currently operate in the country, contributing to 10% of SA's gross domestic product (GDP).
Those very same companies currently employ 200,000 South Africans, Marks explains.
On top of that, she says Trump has already spent $6.4 billion in HIV/Aids programmes in SA.
I have support across the board to greatly increased trade and investment in South Africa. There is so much opportunity.
Lana Marks | US ambassador to South Africa
We are the only foreign power to South Africa that is assisting with our HIV/Aids programme in South Africa.
Lana Marks, US ambassador to South Africa
Marks believes that she has a better perspective "of things of the ground" because she was born and raised in SA.
To have arrived in America as an immigrant, and to have achieved the American Dream, and then come back here is just phenomenal.
Lana Marks, US ambassador to South Africa
She says she hopes that she can get Trump to visit South Africa soon.
Listen to the ambassador in conversation with senior political reporter Clement Manyathela:
Image: @USEmbassySA on Twitter
More from Politics

[VIDEO] EFF members pepper sprayed during scuffle after new leadership appointed
The scuffle took place at the EFF elective conference where Julius Malema and Floyd Shivambu were re-elected to top positions.
Read More
EFF congress begins as Daily Maverick promises legal fight over 'media ban'
The party is holding its national elective conference at Nasrec this weekend amid a row over media accreditation.
Read More
Court orders City of Cape Town to stop harassing homeless people
A High Court judge has extended an interdict stopping law enforcement officials from issuing fines and harassing homeless people.
Read More
Load shedding hampers Home Affairs services, but now back online we are assured
Department of Home Affairs spokesperson, Siya Qoza, explains how the power outages affected services to verify identities.
Read More
Mkhwebane fails to dodge personal costs order linked to Estina 'whitewash'
The High Court has dismissed the Public Protector's application for leave to appeal the Estina Dairy Farm report ruling.
Read More
'It's very difficult to imagine the EFF without Mr Malema'
Political analyst Ralph Mathekga looks at the upcoming Economic Freedom Fighters National People’s Assembly starting on Friday.
Read More
WC top cop Yolisa Matakata expected to stabilise policing in the province
Premier Alan Winde and ANC's Cameron Dugmore are behind Matakata, who's tasked with bringing stability to policing in the province.
Read More
Donald Trump’s new SA ambassador Lana Marks talks trade, rugby and impeachment
Refilwe Moloto interviews Marks on her first visit to Cape Town since taking up her new role.
Read More
Reserve Bank Governer: Our task is not to bail out Eskom or any SOEs
Sarb Governor Lesetja Kganyago highlights responsibilities of Reserve Bank and why interest rates are a tool not policy objective.
Read More
MEC Fritz hopes new WC top cop can help take politics out of community policing
W Cape MEC for Community Safety Albert Fritz discusses the new appointment of Yolisa Matakata as the top cop in the province.
Read MoreMore from World

SA journo Shiraaz Mohamed ‘escapes’ from captivity in Syria - reports
Gift of the Givers received information that after being helped to escape, Mohamed was handed over to Turkish intelligence.
Read More
UK general election: Bad weather will affect turnout, but who will benefit?
UK correspondent Peter Anderson gives his take on what's described as UK's most significant election for a generation.
Read More
UK voters head to polls in general election that could decide future of Brexit
Conservative Prime Minister Boris Johnson wants to secure a majority government so that he can "get Brexit done" as promised.
Read More
Fatherhood and daughters: Here's why Mpho Popps takes his daughter on dates
Mpho Popps shares his views about modelling to his daughter what a good relationship with a man should look like.
Read More
Live audience was behind Zozibini Tunzi's 'very regal quality and authenticity''
American journalist Alexis Loinaz was at the Miss Universe pageant and says Zozibini represents a sea-change in pageantry.
Read More
"There's no monetary value on your presence as a dad"
Kabelo Thathe explains how his journey to fatherhood has helped him become the best dad that he can be.
Read More
[WATCH] Congratulations Miss Universe 2019, SA's Zozibini Tunzi
South Africa has taken the crown at the Miss Universe pageant.
Read More
2019 concludes decade of 'exceptional global heat and high-impact weather'
The World Meteorological Organization says 2019 is set to be second or third warmest year on record.
Read More
Bongani Bingwa: You make choices that'll have lasting consequences for your kids
Fatherhood is one of the most consequential things you can do in your life and, yet nobody expects you to be prepared for it.
Read More
Donovan Thorne on raising a daughter: "It's an awakening"
Donovan Thorne talks about the special bond fathers have with their daughters and, how it has made him a better man.
Read More