By Thapelo Molefe
President Cyril Ramaphosa, navigating a strained relationship with the business community, will on Friday open the Progressive Business Forum and Progressive Citizen’s Forum Women in Business Golf Event at Sun City, North West, where the theme “Resilience-Inspired Growth” is expected to frame dialogue on women’s role in shaping South Africa’s economy.
The annual Dialogue on the Fairways is designed as a “mobile think tank,” with each hole on the course hosting discussions on issues such as access to finance, digital transformation, climate resilience, and inclusive leadership.
Ramaphosa’s appearance comes as his relationship with business remains under strain, tested by United States (U.S.) tariffs and domestic cost pressures. In July, the U.S. imposed a 30% “reciprocal tariff” on South African exports, targeting key industries including agriculture, motoring, and minerals.
Ramaphosa rejected the move as based on “inaccurate trade data”.
“South Africa will not be bullied by anyone. We will defend our industries, our workers, and our right to trade on fair terms,” he told Parliament at the time.
Officials have since been dispatched to Washington to press for relief while the government promotes diversification into markets in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.
At home, the cabinet has approved relief measures for sectors hit by tariffs and urged stronger local procurement, though business leaders warn this adds to protectionist pressures.
The strain has underscored a wider unease between government and business.
High electricity costs have already forced companies such as ArcelorMittal South Africa to seek discounted tariffs to keep operations running, while executives argue that policy uncertainty and global trade risks are weighing on competitiveness.
“Ramaphosa talks sovereignty, but global markets don’t wait for politics. We need certainty, not speeches,” one business leader said.
Friday’s engagement is expected to allow Ramaphosa to signal how the government intends to balance economic sovereignty with investor confidence, while business leaders continue to call for clarity and concrete support, particularly for women-led enterprises.
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