South Africa's Minister of International Relations and Co-operation, Ronald Lamola, has publicly criticised the United States for attempting to politicise trade negotiations with South Africa.
At the same time, he also expressed hope that the multilateral trade-beneficial African Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa) with the US, in peril because of the Trump Administration’s punitive tariff regimes, would be renewed.
Speaking at the Financial Times Africa Summit in London, Lamola said the US had sought to advance a narrative related to South Africa’s domestic policies, including land reform, Black Economic Empowerment, and what he termed the false narrative of genocide.
Referring to May’s acrimonious trade visit to the White House by a high-level delegation of the Government of National Unity, matters of national sovereignty were entered into discussion in a deliberate attempt to tarnish South Africa’s image.
Lamola emphasised that South Africa would not compromise its domestic policies to appease Washington, asserting that trade negotiations should be strictly limited to economic matters.
He highlighted that South Africa’s legal safeguards, such as the ongoing judicial review of the Expropriation Bill at the Constitutional Court, provided sufficient protection of these policies.
Despite these firm positions, Lamola expressed optimism about the progress of trade talks with the United States and noted "positive vibes" from the US Congress regarding the renewal of Agoa.
He expressed hope that the free trade agreement between the US and Africa, which expired in September, could be renewed before the end of the year.
This reflects a delicate balance in South Africa’s trade diplomacy, upholding its sovereignty while maintaining constructive engagement with the US on trade issues.
