By Johnathan Paoli
President Cyril Ramaphosa faced tough questions in the National Assembly on Tuesday, defending South Africa’s response to U.S. tariffs, the National Dialogue on the country’s future, the upcoming G20 presidency, and the long-delayed National Council on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (NCGBVF).
A central point of debate was government’s handling of the newly imposed 30% U.S. tariffs on certain South African exports.
Responding to EFF leader Julius Malema, Ramaphosa said Pretoria was pursuing “active engagement” with Washington, noting that officials were already consulting stakeholders in New York and Washington ahead of formal negotiations.
“The U.S. is South Africa’s second largest trading partner. Our economic relations are strong and go back many years,” Ramaphosa said.
“We are working to stabilise diplomatic relations and are introducing a range of measures to make South African companies more resilient. We will not be bullied. We will stand as a sovereign country, negotiate,
You’ve reached your free article limit
Subscribe to enjoy unlimited access to trusted journalism. Cancel anytime.
Subscribe nowNeed help? molokom@insidepolitic.co.za
