Transport and logistical infrastructure requirements for Gauteng have attracted about R60 billion of an estimated R205.6bn raised in mostly foreign direct investment (FDI) pledges, the province’s Economic Development MEC has said.
Speaking after Thursday’s 2026 Gauteng Investment Conference, Vuyiswa Ramokgopa said it brought the commitments from the private sector to more than R500m.
Also addressing journalists on April 9, President Cyril Ramaphosa told the annual general meeting (AGM) of the American Chamber of Commerce in SA that previously tense trade relations between the two countries were thawing.
He said that this was despite a difficult global trade environment.
Ramaphosa said South Africa was a firm advocate for strengthening trade, investment and commercial ties between the two countries.
Some 600 US companies operate in SA, employing at least 250 000 locals.
Although he was demonstratively diplomatic at the AGM, Ramaphosa made it clear he was not being dictated to when he formally accepted US Ambassador-designate Leo Brent Bozell's Letters of Credence on April 8 at the Sefako Makgatho Presidential Guesthouse in Pretoria.
Alongside receiving the same letters of 19 other envoys, he acknowledged Bozell’s indication that the US wanted to deepen trade relations with SA.
He said beneficial trade depended on reciprocal respect between trading partners.
