Trending: He's wasting our time & money, isn't fit to be president and never delivers
@Razor896 President Cyril Ramaphosa fired a Deputy Minister for going on a international trip without his permission but fails to fire a Minster accused of working with criminals. Streets are calling us.
@Constitution_94
Two salaries
Two Police Ministers
Full benefits to both
Taxpayers are screwed
Ramaphosa must take a leave of absence himself
@ChrisExcel102 The Zondo Commission cost the country R1.5 trillion and no one was arrested … Ramaphosa doesn't take us seriously.
@AfricaisBlack When Kenya's President Ruto disrespected Kenyans, the youth organized themselves, without any political party's leadership, and took to the streets. Now, Cyril Ramaphosa has disrespected us to the core! #PeoplePower. #Accountability
@NalaThokozane President Cyril Ramaphosa goes down in history as the most indecisive leader to ever lead South Africa.
@bxnzow Yoh guys, this country can't survive another decade with President Cyril Ramaphosa and his comrades.
@SdizoRSA President Cyril Ramaphosa, commission will take time while at the end, nothing will happen, the only thing will get is 20 text books (printed copies of the report) again.
@LeratoPillayZA Ramaphosa is not fit to be a President.
@Shadaya_Knight Many South Africans are disappointed with Cyril Ramaphosa's lack of action against corruption allegations on Senzo Mchunu by General Mkwananzi. It shows how a lot of people don't understand politicians, they're all the same, they will protect each other over the greater good of the country Worldwide it's the same, politicians only care about power not justice. Whatever differences they have, they all agree on one thing – power over everything else. Stop putting any hope in politicians, you'll always be disappointed.
@sadi_mosadi I'm afraid we underestimate President Ramaphosa's ability to give us nothing.
@PhilMphela President Cyril Ramaphosa has been given so many opportune moments to rise to the occasion, to become THAT GUY, to change the narrative, to be the leader the nation has pined for, the one who will go against the grain ... But, alas, time after time, he disappoints. His will be, like all his ilk, a tenure that served the interest of the individual and the few rather than the nation, as we all hoped for post 1994. What was all that?
@tsheko2020 President Cyril Ramaphosa could have addressed us via TikTok.He wasted our time.
DAILY NEWS
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
IOL News
18 minutes ago
- IOL News
SSA's alarming warning: Threats to South Africa's National Security unveiled
Minister Khumbudzo Ntshavheni has given assurance to South Africans that their security was a priority for the government. Image: GCIS The National Security Strategy between 2019 and 2024 warned the government that South Africa's main project of democratic dispensation remained to be ensuring a better life for all citizens. The document, released on Tuesday by Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, said if political emancipation was translated into economic well-being for all citizens, there was a need in turn to understand the direct relationship between security and development. The National Security Strategy observed that South Africans continued to face serious threats to their wellbeing. 'Organised crime and general high levels of crime, food insecurity, bio-safety and diseases, gender based violence terrorism are amongst such noted threats.' Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ It said there was an emergence of disregard for the authority of the State by some in the South African society. 'This results in lawlessness and is exacerbated by the slow and inefficient application of justice. It creates opportune conditions for criminal elements and negative forces to operate.' It also said the threat to socio-economic stability was caused by, among others, violent community protests as well as instability in the labour, transport and education sector. 'An increase in organised crime in the country continues to be a threat to the well-being and safety of all South Africans. Crime syndicates may change tactics to employ even more dangerous and sophisticated weapons systems.' The strategy flagged gangsterism and warned that if it was not addressed, gangs will continue to occupy social spaces and create no-go areas and in turn fuel vigilantism as community's attempt to reclaim spaces and protect themselves from crimes perpetrated by gangs. It also named extortion as a threat along with substance abuse. 'There is an urgent need for South Africans to educate themselves about the dangers of the implications of substance abuse on morale fibre.' The National Security Strategy further highlighted the challenges of poverty, inequality and unemployment as the foremost challenges to the country. 'This weighs heavily on the social, political and economic fabric of the country. The official unemployment rate is one of the highest in the world. The economy is not big enough to absorb the working force.' The document highlighted increasing unemployment, poor skills and other lack of opportunities were national security concern to the country. It warned that lack of or failure for government to intervene in the future of the South African youth through proper skilling and conducive environment to realise their dreams was the greatest threat not only to the country's national security, but also to the survival of the South African nation. Get your news on the go, click here to join the Cape Argus News WhatsApp channel. Cape Argus
The Citizen
18 minutes ago
- The Citizen
Ramaphosa's words flatter, his actions offend
President's refusal to heed US rejection of Jonas has left SA exposed as 30% trade tariffs come into force in August. The controversy surrounding America's refusal of Mcebisi Jonas's application for a diplomatic visa is both surprising and troubling. Three months after his appointment, the public still does not know what he has done – if anything – in executing his mandate. When President Cyril Ramaphosa announced Jonas's appointment as his special envoy on 14 April 2025, he made his responsibilities clear in a press release: 'I hereby announce the appointment of Mr Mcebisi Jonas as my Special Envoy to the United States of America, serving as the official representative of the President and the government of the Republic of South Africa.' 'In this capacity, Mr Jonas is entrusted with the responsibility to advance South Africa's diplomatic, trade and bilateral priorities. He will lead negotiations, foster strategic partnerships and engage with US government officials and private-sector leaders to promote our nation's interests,' the president said. ALSO READ: 'Right-wing nexus': Presidency cautions South Africans against the DA [VIDEO] The mandate could not be more explicit. The role entails direct, high-level engagement with the Trump administration, particularly as SA faces steep US trade tariffs that take effect from 1 August. Read more Police scandal: Justice must now be served However, the Democratic Alliance revealed on Monday that Jonas' application for a diplomatic visa was denied, his credentials were formally rejected and that the South African government was 'explicitly' advised on multiple occasions that Jonas 'was not acceptable to Washington' and was urged to appoint an alternative envoy. The Presidency hit back yesterday in a strongly worded statement by spokesperson Vincent Magwenya. He came out swinging against the DA, labelling the revelation as an effort to 'embarrass the President' and that the 'DA has positioned itself as part of a right-wing nexus that seeks to use a foreign state to effect changes to democratically developed national policies in our own country'. ALSO READ: Ramaphosa 'satisfied' with Mcebisi Jonas's work despite being snubbed by Trump But he didn't dispute the facts the DA put on the table. Instead, Magwenya suggested that Jonas didn't need one to fulfil his responsibilities and downplayed his role. 'The facts around this matter include the reality that Special Envoys do not present diplomatic credentials to host countries in the way designated Heads of Mission or other diplomats are.' Magwenya continued: 'Mr Jonas has, however, played an important role in working with the DTIC [Department of Trade, Industry and Competition] to develop the trade proposals in which South Africa is currently engaging the United States in good faith and with the expectation of mutually beneficial terms. 'Similarly, he has been assisting Dirco [Department of International Relations and Cooperation] in Government's efforts to reset diplomatic relations and all areas of cooperation between South Africa and the United States.' 'While these processes are underway and in view of President Ramaphosa's telephonic contact with President Trump as well as his Working Visit to Washington in May 2025, President Ramaphosa has not had a need for Mr Jonas to visit the United States on urgent business.' This is a notable shift. The original mandate stated that Jonas would lead negotiations. Now, he is merely assisting departments that lead. ALSO READ: Presidency clarifies Mcebisi Jonas' absence from Ramaphosa's meeting with Trump These developments also followed Magwenya's statement to Dawie Boonzaair, a reporter at Rapport/City Press over the weekend, that the President was 'satisfied' with Jona's work. However, he declined to comment on what Jonas has achieved. This lack of clarity undermines the seriousness of the appointment, casting doubt on the Presidency's efforts to resolve the diplomatic fallout between the country, which has resulted in the implementation of 30% tariffs. Seen in the context that Jonas was appointed after Washington removed Ebrahim Rasool as ambassador (which was not replaced), it suggests his appointment was to lobby the Trump administration to repair the relationship. However, Ramaphosa did not fire and replace Jonas, despite being aware that Jonas was persona non grata in Washington. He even visited the White House after being informed of this. ALSO READ: Is Mcebisi Jonas the right man as SA's US rep? We have seen Ramaphosa's 'do-nothing' approach throughout his time in the Union Buildings. If Jonas had even been somewhat successful, resulting in a reduced tariff of 30%, his appointment would have been considered a success. I am not sure if this is a scandal, but it is indicative of the President's unwillingness to take South Africa into his confidence and be transparent. Numerous qualified individuals in the country can represent South Africa with authority and credibility in Washington and be taken seriously. President Ramaphosa's handling of the Jonas matter reflects a troubling pattern that he is not putting South Africa first and failing to take South Africans into his confidence. Unfortunately, the public has become accustomed to this evasiveness. However, the current fallout with the United States – our second-largest trading partner – marks a serious escalation with real economic consequences. This includes export industries, investor relations, and trade diplomacy. ALSO READ: Ramaphosa appoints Mcebisi Jonas as special envoy to US What makes this even more concerning is the apparent hypocrisy. Just two years ago, South Africa aggressively pushed for the expulsion of US Ambassador Reuben Brigety after he alleged that arms had been loaded onto the Russian ship Lady R, endangering South Africa's relationship with Washington. At the time, the government accused Brigety of misconduct and demanded accountability. Brigety resigned a year later. Yet now, the Presidency appears comfortable sending a representative to the US who the Trump administration sees as diplomatically unacceptable. This is not surprising as Jonas publicly stated in 2020 that Trump is a 'racist, homophobic, narcissistic right-winger'. It may be true, but you don't send someone to stand with a cap in his hand to negotiate with someone you have insulted to this extent. The President has proclaimed in the Oval Office that 'America is a valued partner' and invited Trump to attend the G20 in South Africa, but sending a politically compromised envoy to repair one of South Africa's most important bilateral relationships is not only unwise – it is deeply disrespectful. And not replacing him after being informed of his undesirability is an even bigger slap in the face. This article was republished from Moneyweb. Read the original here.
IOL News
an hour ago
- IOL News
30% US tariff hike impact on South African economy
South Africa will be hit with a 30% tariff on all its exports to the United States from August 1, following a formal letter from US President Donald Trump to President Cyril Ramaphosa demanding action on trade imbalances and long-standing market restrictions. Image: Lee Rondganger/IOL RECENT developments in international trade policies have culminated in a significant 30% tariff hike imposed by the United States on South African exports. Such a substantial increase in tariffs is poised to ripple through South Africa's economic fabric, affecting everything from corporate profitability and employment to currency stability and monetary policy. For SA, a country intricately linked to global commodity markets and sensitive to trade disruptions, this move presents both immediate and long-term challenges. The imposition of this 30% tariff by the United States on a broad range of South African imports, effective from August 1, 2025, marks a pivotal and concerning shift in bilateral trade relations. While specific sectors like Platinum Group Metals (PGMs), gold, chrome, and coal are explicitly exempted, and others like automotive and steel/aluminium face different, often higher, rates, this move effectively signals the end of South Africa's preferential access under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ 1. Direct impact on South African businesses The SA economy relies heavily on exports, notably minerals (platinum, gold, chrome), agricultural products, and manufactured goods. The imposition of a 30% tariff increase by the US significantly raises the cost of these exports, making South African goods less competitive in the American market. This threat could translate into a decrease in US demand, potentially translating to a decline in sales volumes and revenue for industries for us, given that the US constitutes a key export destination, such as mining and manufacturing. Higher tariffs raise the cost for American importers of South African goods, which often leads to reduced demand or a need to absorb cost increases to maintain market share. For exporters, lower sales directly affect profit margins, potentially forcing cost-cutting measures, including layoffs, which increase domestic unemployment. Small and medium-sized businesses, with less financial resilience, are particularly vulnerable, risking closures amid decreased revenues and potentially an increase in the number of bankruptcies. Several South African industries rely on imported components or intermediate goods from the US or elsewhere. Increased tariffs may compound costs, disrupt supply chains and delay production schedules. Over the medium term, uncertainty regarding trade policies could dampen investment as firms defer expansion or modernisation plans due to unpredictable export conditions. The broader economy also faces indirect effects: reduced foreign exchange earnings can constrain government revenues, limit funding for social and infrastructural projects, and slow economic growth. As exports shrink, the trade balance deteriorates, causing economic activity to decline. 2. Currency dynamics: impact on the rand and the dollar In the short term, the rand typically depreciates in response to negative trade news and waning investor confidence. A 30% tariff hike by the US suggests decreased demand for South African exports, leading to a decline in dollar-denominated inflows. Capital markets may react swiftly, with foreign investors withdrawing or re-evaluating holdings, seeking safer assets. The rand/dollar exchange rate will likely weaken, potentially breaching key support levels, especially if the tariff hike leads to fears of a broader trade conflict or economic downturn. The extent of depreciation depends on market sentiment, existing macroeconomic fundamentals, and the South African Reserve Bank's (SARB) interventions. Continuous depreciations could also escalate, feeding into inflationary regarding US trade policy stability could potentially increase volatility and increase speculative activity in the rand. This uncertainty complicates businesses' hedging strategies and raises the cost of imported goods and capital. 3. Inflationary pressures A weaker rand increases the cost of imported goods and raw materials, directly fuelling inflation if domestic producers pass on higher costs to consumers. The inflationary impact could be significant for South Africa, which relies heavily on imported machinery, fuel, and components. Higher input costs translate into increased prices for domestically produced goods and services, especially in manufacturing, construction, and transportation sectors. This scenario risks triggering a wage-price spiral if inflation expectations become entrenched. The combined effect of imported inflation, increased transportation costs due to weaker currency, and possible supply chain disruptions can lead to a broad-based rise in consumer prices, eroding purchasing power, especially for lower-income households. 4. Monetary policy and interest rate trajectories To counter mounting inflationary pressures, the SARB may consider tightening monetary policy. An increase in interest rates could be employed to anchor inflation expectations, stabilise the currency, and prevent inflation from becoming higher interest rates could dampen economic growth, exacerbate unemployment, and strain indebted borrowers. The delicate balance requires careful calibration, especially given the inflationary impetus from currency depreciation. The tariff increase may lead to rand weakness and potentially a lower demand for SA goods and services, hurting mid-sized businesses the most. These economic changes are likely to impact jobs, leading to an increase in domestic inflation and higher interest rates. Advocate Lavan Gopaul Image: File Advocate Lavan Gopaul is the director of Merchant Afrika. ** The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of IOL or Independent Media. THE POST
