Trump gunning for Lesotho: SA sees opportunity for ‘closer collaboration'
With Lesotho hit harder than any other country on the African continent by proposed US tariffs, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has moved to reassure that country of its neighbours' continued support and trade collaboration.
Lesotho was set to face a 50% levy on its exports before it was frozen by US president Donald Trump.
Speaking at the end of the Lesotho-South Africa bi-national commission (BNC), Ramaphosa said the two countries 'have the opportunity for closer collaboration in many areas'.
'Apart from greater private sector collaboration, we should give attention to infrastructure development, energy, food security, bilateral and regional value chains – and greater trade.
'While other countries are creating barriers, including imposing tariffs, it is incumbent on our two countries to promote trade relations that reflect our common interests.
'We will work closely with our partners and neighbours in the SADC (Southern Africa Development Community) and through the African Continental Free Trade Area,' said Ramaphosa.
Cross-border challenges
He said the BNC would 'remain seized with matters pertaining to such issues as immigration, security, capacity building and the well-being of our peoples'.
Ramaphosa said South Africa and Lesotho remained 'significant partners'.
'Our common interests, historical links and shared heritage, forged through many years, remain strong.
'Our two countries will continue to play constructive roles in SADC, on the African continent and globally in our collective desire for a peaceful and prosperous world,' he said.
Ramaphosa said Lesotho has a 'trusted, reliable and committed partner' in SA.
'Our discussions today underscored the need to accelerate the implementation of decisions, projects and programmes arising out of the bi-national commission.
'Although we are making strides, more work still needs to be done to reach the desired outcomes.
'The spirit of friendship, cooperation and solidarity that underpins our very close relations has been given renewed impetus.
'The future of our collaboration is bright.
'The people of South Africa and Lesotho will continue to enjoy the fruits of our labour for generations to come.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
IOL News
17 minutes ago
- IOL News
Ramaphosa cannot delay acting on Mkhwanazi's claim
KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi has implicated Police Minister Senzo Mchunu in criminal syndicates. Image: Siyabulela Duda/ GCIS PRESIDENT Cyril Ramaphosa's leadership has been one characterised by doubt, confusion and often lacking urgency in addressing some of the most pressing matters confronting the country. Mostly, he chooses to delegate his responsibilities to costly task teams, advisory councils and commissions when he is called to make bold decisions. On the face of it, Ramaphosa appears to be a president that seeks to always appease, depending on who the issue is about. What we are referring to is well documented and there is no need to dwell much on it. Suffice to ask how many people has he acted on when presented with evidence of wrongdoing? Not many really, except those that posed a significant threat to his political career. Nonetheless Ramaphosa has been accused of hiding behind 'due process' even in clear-cut cases that would, at face value, go a long way in dealing with the rot in the country's public service. That appears to have come back to bite him. The fact that KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi did not discuss the serious allegations against Police Minister Senzo Mchunu before coming out publicly can be viewed as a vote of no confidence in Ramaphosa's leadership. He has failed to act when called up to do so in the past. Indirectly that may have sent a signal out there that he would not do anything when presented with serious allegations against members of his party and Cabinet colleagues in the future. Ramaphosa says he will outline a way forward after engaging with a number of people regarding Mkhwanazi's claim implicating the police minister in criminal syndicates. He is yet to inform the nation about the outcome of his meeting with National Director of Public Prosecution Shamila Batohi on her statements that the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) had been infiltrated by unscrupulous prosecutors working with criminals to deliberately bungle cases. Herein lies a worrying pattern; that Rome is burning while Ramaphosa holds the fiddle. Phala Phala will not be the only stain that taints his leadership. How he acts on the Mchunu matter may make or break his legacy. At stake though is the safety of South Africans who are at the mercy of criminals holding our communities hostage.
The South African
27 minutes ago
- The South African
How does SA's most expensive school Hilton College compare to UK's costliest?
Home » How does SA's most expensive school Hilton College compare to UK's costliest? Private education in South Africa now costs more than ever. In truth, it's hitting luxury territory. But how does it compare worldwide? Image: Hilton College Private education in South Africa now costs more than ever. In truth, it's hitting luxury territory. In 2025, fees at South Africa's most expensive private boarding school, Hilton College in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, passed the R420 000 mark. And it's not an outlier. Michaelhouse down the road costs R392 000 per annum with St Andrew's College in Makhanda (formerly Grahamstown) setting parents back R387 531 a year. In terms of what one would need to earn per annum to afford to send your child to one of the aforementioned schools, remember those fees are after tax . You'd need to be in the top 1% of South African salary-earners to be able to afford to do so. Factoring in all of life's other costs, to afford Hilton College comfortably, our calculations show you'd need a household income of between R2.6 million and R2.8 million per year. However, those amounts are 'low' compared to what it costs to send a pupil to Eton College, one of the United Kingdom's top schools in 2025. Eton College fees are £21 099.60 (R508 863.70) per term, which includes tuition, board, activities, and educational materials – much the same as is on offer on Hilton College. With three terms per academic year, the total annual cost is £63 298.80 (R1 526 591.09). This is inclusive of VAT, which is now applied to independent school fees. Below, a detailed comparison between Hilton College and Eton College, focusing on school fees and the broader educational context: Feature Hilton College Eton College Location KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa Windsor, England Annual boarding fees R420 729 (£17 445) £63 299 (R1.53 million) Type All-boys, full boarding All-boys, full boarding Extras Most activities included in base fee Extra charges for music, trips, uniforms Non-refundable acceptance fee R105 000 (£4,300) £400 registration + £3 000 joining fee All meals, tuition, boarding, textbooks, activities, and sport are included Known for a strong academic record and beautiful natural surroundings (in a 1 762-hectare estate) No 'hidden extras' is a key selling point Covers boarding, tuition, meals Additional charges for private music lessons, overseas trips, optional activities, and uniforms Historic prestige and access to elite global networks Aspect Hilton College Eton College Founded 1872 1440 Reputation Among South Africa's top private schools One of the most prestigious schools globally Notable alumni Business leaders, judges, politicians 20 British Prime Ministers, royals, elites Curriculum IEB (Independent Examinations Board – SA) GCSEs and A-Levels (UK) Hilton College is expensive by South African standards, but still relatively affordable globally. It's aimed at high-income South African families and international boarders from Africa. is expensive by South African standards, but still relatively affordable globally. It's aimed at high-income South African families and international boarders from Africa. Eton College is elite in cost and access. It's typically reserved for global ultra-wealthy families, royals, or those on rare scholarships. School Estimated household income needed (ccomfortably) Hilton College R2.8 million (£116 000) Eton College £250 000 (R6 million) Hilton College offers a world-class boarding experience at a third of the price of Eton, with a strong South African identity and emphasis on tradition, leadership, and outdoor learning. offers a world-class boarding experience at a of Eton, with a strong South African identity and emphasis on tradition, leadership, and outdoor learning. Eton College is in a different league globally – extremely prestigious, more expensive, and tightly tied to British aristocracy and governance. In short: Hilton College is elite within South Africa; Eton College is elite within the world. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
27 minutes ago
- The South African
Clifton's crown jewel: Why Nettleton Road is SA's priciest street
High above Cape Town's dazzling Atlantic Seaboard, Nettleton Road isn't just another scenic street; it's the pinnacle of luxury in South African real estate. This secluded stretch is home to jaw-dropping mansions, ultra-wealthy residents, and property prices that regularly break national records. But why is this particular road one of South Africa's most exclusive addresses? Views over Clifton. Image: canva Nettleton Road has long been associated with wealth, but its real estate prices have surged into the stratosphere in recent years. In early 2025, two adjoining vacant plots, comprising just 2 700 square metres, sold for a staggering R170 million. That's not a typo! That's the price of nothing on Nettleton: just the land, no house, no finishes, JUST location. And this deal follows a pattern. In 2017, a six-bedroom mansion on the road sold for R120 million, then one of the most expensive residential property sales ever recorded in South Africa. And in 2021, a 1 200 square metre villa, featuring a cinema, gym, wine cellar, and cantilevered pool, reportedly sold for over R150 million. Sunset skies in Clifton. Image: canva It's not just the ocean views, as fantastic as they are! Every home on Nettleton Road faces west, soaking in those famous Cape Town sunsets over the Atlantic. Below are the iconic Clifton beaches; above looms Lion's Head. There's also security, privacy, and scarcity. Only a handful of homes line this quiet cul-de-sac. And, of course, you could add in architectural bragging rights. Nettleton Road has become a blank canvas for South Africa's top architects, Greg Truen, Stefan Antoni, and others, to showcase gravity-defying, glass-walled masterpieces. Most homes come with luxury specs as standard: think heated infinity pools, private cinemas, wellness spas, multi-car garages, and staff quarters. But more importantly, they offer something rarer: status. You won't find names on buzzers on Nettleton Road. Privacy is the norm. But it's no secret that tech entrepreneurs, mining magnates, and international investors have snapped up properties along the exclusive road. There's heavy foreign interest too, especially from German, UK, and Middle Eastern buyers looking for high-end African investment properties or holiday homes. Interestingly, though, while it exudes wealth, Nettleton Road hasn't always been ultra-premium. In the 1970s and '80s, Clifton was already desirable, but Nettleton itself was mostly undeveloped. Over the past 25 years, as Cape Town transformed into a global destination, the road's potential was recognised and monetised. Now, it's Cape Town's answer to Malibu's Carbon Beach or London's The Bishops Avenue. But with better views and better weather. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
