President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa has expressed the country’s desire to continue trading with the United States under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa) despite the ongoing tensions between the two nations. The relationship between South Africa and the US has been strained following President Donald Trump’s criticism of South Africa’s Expropriation Act, which he claimed was aimed at confiscating land from white farmers.
During a session in the National Assembly, Ramaphosa assured members of Parliament that efforts were being made to correct the mischaracterization of the Expropriation Act and restore ties between the two countries. He emphasized that diplomatic, political, and other channels were being utilized to mend the relationship, and he expressed confidence that these efforts would yield positive results.
The recent comments from President Trump, where he accused South Africa of mistreating white farmers and offered refuge to them, further escalated tensions between the two countries. In response, the South African government has revised its plans for a mission to Washington, with a focus on discussing trade issues rather than the diplomatic rift.
The potential repercussions of strained relations with the US include South Africa being excluded from Agoa, a trade agreement that provides duty-free access to the US market for eligible African countries. Ramaphosa acknowledged the importance of South Africa’s participation in Agoa and emphasized the mutual benefits of trade between the two countries.
While South Africa seeks to maintain its participation in Agoa, Ramaphosa highlighted the country’s efforts to diversify its export markets and demonstrate its value as a trading partner. He also criticized lobby groups like AfriForum and Solidarity for their activities abroad, describing them as unpatriotic.
In conclusion, President Ramaphosa reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to resolving the tensions with the US and maintaining trade relations under Agoa. He emphasized the importance of adhering to trade agreements and promoting South Africa as a reliable and valuable trading partner on the global stage.
