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Daily Maverick
10 hours ago
- Politics
- Daily Maverick
US House of Representatives' Foreign Affairs Committee passes first round of anti-SA Bill
The Bill calls for a review of US-SA relations and for sanctions against the South African government and ANC leaders. A Bill that would require the Trump administration to conduct a full review of US-South Africa relations and to identify South African government and ANC leaders eligible for sanctions, passed the US House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee this week. The committee passed the 'US-South Africa Bilateral Relations Review Act of 2025' by a vote of 34-16, with 28 Republicans and six Democrats supporting it and only Democrats opposing. It will now go to the full House of Representatives, where observers believe it will pass. It envisages SA government and ANC leaders being sanctioned under America's Global Magnitsky Act, which imposes financial and visa restrictions on individuals deemed guilty of human rights abuses or corruption. The Bill would also require the US Administration to determine if South Africa has undermined US national security or foreign policy interests. 'Aligning with America's adversaries' The Bill cites a long list of actions by the ANC government which it says have offended the US, centred on its good relations with Russia, China and Iran, and its hostility to Israel and Taiwan. The Bill was introduced by Texan Republican Ronny Jackson, a firm supporter of President Donald Trump. He told the committee that South Africa, while claiming to be non-aligned, had recently abandoned the US and its allies by increasingly aligning with America's adversaries such as China, Russia, Iran, and Iranian military proxies such as Hamas. He cited SA hosting the Chinese government's Confucius Institutes, conducting military exercises with China and Russia, and its alleged involvement in efforts to downgrade the US dollar. He also said, 'South Africa is systematically going after our partners and allies.' He cited its downgrading of Taiwan's presence in the country, 'falsely accusing the State of Israel of genocide at the illegitimate International Criminal Court and mimicking Iran's disgusting dismissal of the atrocities committed by Hamas on October the 7th' (the date of the attack by Hamas on southern Israel). Jackson said 'extreme politicians from the African National Congress have led efforts to target Afrikaners'. Daily Maverick recently revealed that the America Israel Public Affairs Committee (Aipac) was a significant donor to Jackson, the sponsor of the Bill, and several other members of Congress hostile to SA. Of the six Democrats who voted for the Bill in the Foreign Affairs Committee, Brad Sherman and Jared Moskowitz are known to be strong Israel supporters. Bill Keating and George Latimer represent districts with large Jewish populations and Ted Lieu was born in Taiwan. Gregory Meeks, senior Democrat on the Foreign Relations Committee and most other Democrats on the committee, strongly opposed the Bill. Meeks said SA acted as a leader not only among African countries, but also on the world stage – and was this year chairing the G20. The US and SA had a long history of partnership, which the Bill 'will not help to deepen or further'. 'South Africa has taken a number of foreign policy positions that I happen not to agree with. But in mature relations between countries, we can deal with those differences through diplomacy and dialogue. This legislation does just the opposite, taking a heavy hand'. He said, 'President Trump has already disproportionately targeted South Africa. He's done this by trying to embarrass President Ramaphosa in the Oval Office, with faulty evidence of purported atrocities in the country, by instituting an executive order cutting all US assistance in the country, and putting in its place a special refugee resettlement programme for Afrikaners. 'Glaring hypocrisy' 'And at the same time, he's blocking the resettlement of literally all other refugees to the United States… This is glaring hypocrisy.' Jackson's Bill is an updated version of a Bill which was introduced last year, but which ran out of time when Congress ended before elections in November.
IOL News
04-07-2025
- Business
- IOL News
DA still mum on axed Andrew Whitfield's replacement
The fired deputy minister of Trade and Industry, Andrew Whitfield. Image: DTIC THE DA has yet to submit a replacement name to take over axed Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Andrew Whitfield, the Presidency confirmed on Thursday. Whitfield was shown the door with immediate effect last week for taking a trip to the US without Ramaphosa's permission. The reasons for the trip remain unclear, and both Whitfield and the DA did not respond to questions on Thursday. In dismissing Whitfield, Ramaphosa had noted that 'his travel to the United States was a clear violation of the rules and established practices governing the conduct of Members of the Executive. This requirement is known to all Ministers and Deputy Ministers. These rules and established practices were expressly communicated to all members of the Executive during the induction sessions at the commencement of the 7th administration'. Asked about Whitfield's intention for visiting the US and how significant this was in the decision to remove him from cabinet, Ramaphosa's spokesperson Vincent Magwenya would only say: 'The President has made his decision, the matter is done. There's no further explanation or debate that's going to alter that decision. The President is still waiting for a replacement name from the DA that he will consider.' The DA did not respond to questions on why Whitfield had travelled to the US and whether the party supported his trip. Weighing on the matter, international relations expert Siseko Maposa, from Surgetower Associates Management Consultancy, suggested that the trip may have been influenced by the strained relations between the United States and South Africa at the time, as well as the DA's parallel attempts to negotiate independently, possibly through ex parte channels. 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 ✕ 'We can certainly engage in speculation about the motivations behind Former Deputy Minister of DTIC Whitfield's travels, particularly given the strained US-SA relations at the time and the DA's parallel efforts to negotiate ex parte,' Maposa said. 'One might even reasonably consider whether Ramaphosa deliberately ignored Whitfield's authorisation request precisely to deter the DA's efforts aimed at gaining an independent diplomatic channel with the US administration – we can't be sure.' He said the more substantive issue transcends party squabbles, it speaks to the 'erosion of statecraft' in South Africa. 'When deputy ministers traverse borders without authorisation, it undermines the coherence of governance and, ultimately, the sanctity of statehood itself. This shouldn't be about ANC or the DA – it ought to be about whether South Africa's leadership, across factions, grasps the gravity of disciplined state function. If the DA truly internalised this principle, its opposition to Ramaphosa's decision would likely be more measured. "Deeper still, this episode exposes the GNU's fundamental flaw: a coalition pulling in opposing directions, lacking a shared framework for negotiation, and failing to distinguish between government (the act of holding office) and governance (the art of wielding it effectively). Until this disconnect is resolved, such incidents will remain symptoms of a system in disarray.' Cape Times
The Citizen
04-07-2025
- Politics
- The Citizen
‘We are family,' McKenzie says as US celebrates Independence Day
Minister said the biggest test of any relationship is overcoming a crisis Minister of sport, arts and culture Gayton McKenzie at the US embassy's 249th Independence Day celebration in Pretoria on Wednesday. Picture: X/@MrsMaswime Minister of sport, arts and culture Gayton McKenzie has brushed aside tensions between South Africa and the US, calling the two countries 'family'. McKenzie made the remarks in a keynote address at the US embassy's 249th Independence Day celebration in Pretoria on Wednesday. The Independence Day celebrations brought together diplomats, government officials and business leaders to mark the occasion. SA-US family McKenzie said the US is not just a 'friendly country to South Africa but we are family'. 'Friendships can end, but family cannot. Families fight, families differ, families irritate each other, but family is forever.' Crisis McKenzie said the biggest test of any relationship is overcoming a crisis. 'His excellency, President Donald Trump, opened the doors to the White House to hear our side of the recent controversy about farm murders and the claims of an impending genocide here. 'His excellency President Cyril Ramaphosa didn't need to do much but tell the truth and remind Potus that we are the children of Nelson Mandela. Many things might leave us, but his teachings and leadership have shaped who we have become and will still become,' McKeznzie said. ALSO READ: Afrikaner visit to US an 'attempt to sabotage' Ramaphosa's visit' – Presidency 'Kill the Boer' McKenzie said it would be dishonest of him not to address the song 'Kill the Boer'. 'Of all songs sung during the struggle, none has lost its relevance more than Kill the Boer. It has zero place in present-day South Africa. 'I came here today to tell everyone that we ask not to be judged by the worst among us but by the best,' McKenzie said, urging a focus on unity, shared values and common purpose. 'Lessons for SA' McKenzie said America's founding still offers timeless lessons to South Africa. 'The Declaration of Independence's claim that 'all men are created equal' inspired our own anti-apartheid struggle. The US constitution shaped our 1996 constitution. 'America's motto, E Pluribus Unum—'Out of many, one'—mirrors our rainbow nation vision, expressed in the |Xam language of our own motto as 'Diverse people unite'. Both our nations value diversity and freedom,' McKenzie said. ALSO READ: Trump changes tune and 'agrees' to participate in G20 Summit, Ramaphosa says US-SA values US chargé d'affaires David J Greene said the day was a chance to reflect on the values that underpin both nations. 'Independence Day is a time to reflect on the ideals of the American story: liberty, democracy, opportunity. The right of each person to determine their own destiny. These are values that Americans hold dear and ones that resonate here in South Africa – a nation with its own proud, living legacy of fighting for freedom and for fundamental rights for all citizens.' Ideals Greene said the shared ideals between the two countries undergird a longstanding partnership – 'one that spans diplomacy, development and security. And of course, the pursuit of prosperity'. 'South Africa is a continental leader in sports, the arts, and culture – three sectors that are the soul of a nation, define its global image and are increasingly vital to its economy. From Soweto stages to sports arenas, from Cape Town filmmakers to Durban fashion designers, South Africa is setting trends and exporting talent across the globe.' Greene said these industries also help power SA's commercial diplomacy. 'May our shared journey continue – with courage, creativity and common purpose,' Greene said. ALSO READ: WATCH: Donald Trump ambushes Cyril Ramaphosa in Oval Office
IOL News
04-07-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Fears of 30% tariffs loom as US-South Africa trade negotiations remain unresolved
Economists and other experts say that there is some concern following the expiry of US President Donald Trump's 90-day pause on tariff hikes on South Africa and other countries announced on Liberation Day in April. South Africa faces up to 30% tariffs if implemented. As July 9 approaches, economists and industry experts have expressed serious concern about the potential consequences of the expiry of US President Donald Trump's 90-day pause on tariff increases affecting South Africa and other countries. Following the promise of a 10% universal tariff, there is a looming threat of substantial tariffs rising to an alarming 30% if a deal is not reached by the impending deadline. This situation sends ripples of uncertainty among South African exporters who rely heavily on the US market for their products. Wandile Sihlobo, chief economist at Agricultural Business Chamber of South Africa, on Thursday highlighted the ongoing negotiations between South African businesses and US authorities but noted the prevailing ambiguity regarding future trade terms. 'South African businesses and the government have engaged, and continue to interact with US authorities regarding the path forward. However, the path forward remains unclear at this moment, although we would all like to see the continuation of the 10% tariffs rather than the 31% tariffs South Africa faced,' he said. 'The export diversification part is, of course, sound advice. However, we cannot completely abandon the US market; it is vital to South Africa and crucial to us in the agricultural sector. The export diversification comments typically point to China, suggesting that we should focus more on that area. Indeed, regular readers of this letter will be aware that China has been a primary focus for some time.' Professor Raymond Parsons, an economist from North West University, said that this was another period of heightened uncertainty for key SA exporters to the US. 'Unless a US-SA deal is struck by then, or the deadline is extended, the immediate economic worry is about the impending rise in reciprocal tariffs. About 80% of all products exported to the US by SA will get the full impact of the 30% reciprocal tariff increase,' he said. 'We must therefore not underestimate how crucial the current dialogue between the US and SA is for future trade and investment relations. This also needs to cover the future of Agoa. SA needs to buy time to stabilise and consolidate its US-SA economic relations.' Annabel Bishop, chief economist at Investec, however suggested that there might be extensions on negotiations for various US trade partners that could mitigate imminent tariff hikes. 'Substantial progress made in negotiations with most of the US's major trade partners has reduced global economic growth concerns, with time expected to be extended past next week for those still 'negotiating in good faith'. A number of key US trade partners have not had smooth sailing with their negotiations, with the biggest, the EU trade bloc, set to face tariffs up to 50% if it does not come up with a deal the Trump administration finds suitable,' Bishop said. 'However, should the period not be extended for negotiations for key trade partners, this would have a negative impact on the growth outlook.' University of KwaZulu-Natal academic and political analyst Siyabonga Ntombela, encouraged a focus on bolstering the South African economy itself, suggesting that any negative impacts from tariff hikes would also have repercussions for US companies operating in the country. 'The government should focus on growing the South African economy and not worry too much about US-imposed tariff hikes. Remember, there are more than 600 US companies in SA that stand to benefit from a healthy and functioning economy, so anything that will cripple the South African economy will have a direct and adverse impact on these companies too,' Ntombela said. Professor Bonke Dumisa, an independent economic analyst, said that the pause announced by Trump initially worked positively. 'However, it is now a well-accepted fact that Trump's tariff wars have failed; many countries are no longer scared of them. Hence, I do not think any additional days or weeks will make a positive impact. It is precisely for this reason that the USA did not publicly disclose the contents of their international agreement with China,' Dumisa said. BUSINESS REPORT
IOL News
04-07-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Fears of 30% tariffs loom as US-South Africa trade negotiations remain unresolved
Economists and other experts say that there is some concern following the expiry of US President Donald Trump's 90-day pause on tariff hikes on South Africa and other countries announced on Liberation Day in April. South Africa faces up to 30% tariffs if implemented. As July 9 approaches, economists and industry experts have expressed serious concern about the potential consequences of the expiry of US President Donald Trump's 90-day pause on tariff increases affecting South Africa and other countries. Following the promise of a 10% universal tariff, there is a looming threat of substantial tariffs rising to an alarming 30% if a deal is not reached by the impending deadline. This situation sends ripples of uncertainty among South African exporters who rely heavily on the US market for their products. Wandile Sihlobo, chief economist at Agricultural Business Chamber of South Africa, on Thursday highlighted the ongoing negotiations between South African businesses and US authorities but noted the prevailing ambiguity regarding future trade terms. 'South African businesses and the government have engaged, and continue to interact with US authorities regarding the path forward. However, the path forward remains unclear at this moment, although we would all like to see the continuation of the 10% tariffs rather than the 31% tariffs South Africa faced,' he said. 'The export diversification part is, of course, sound advice. However, we cannot completely abandon the US market; it is vital to South Africa and crucial to us in the agricultural sector. The export diversification comments typically point to China, suggesting that we should focus more on that area. Indeed, regular readers of this letter will be aware that China has been a primary focus for some time.' Professor Raymond Parsons, an economist from North West University, said that this was another period of heightened uncertainty for key SA exporters to the US. 'Unless a US-SA deal is struck by then, or the deadline is extended, the immediate economic worry is about the impending rise in reciprocal tariffs. About 80% of all products exported to the US by SA will get the full impact of the 30% reciprocal tariff increase,' he said. 'We must therefore not underestimate how crucial the current dialogue between the US and SA is for future trade and investment relations. This also needs to cover the future of Agoa. SA needs to buy time to stabilise and consolidate its US-SA economic relations.' Annabel Bishop, chief economist at Investec, however suggested that there might be extensions on negotiations for various US trade partners that could mitigate imminent tariff hikes. 'Substantial progress made in negotiations with most of the US's major trade partners has reduced global economic growth concerns, with time expected to be extended past next week for those still 'negotiating in good faith'. A number of key US trade partners have not had smooth sailing with their negotiations, with the biggest, the EU trade bloc, set to face tariffs up to 50% if it does not come up with a deal the Trump administration finds suitable,' Bishop said. 'However, should the period not be extended for negotiations for key trade partners, this would have a negative impact on the growth outlook.' University of KwaZulu-Natal academic and political analyst Siyabonga Ntombela, encouraged a focus on bolstering the South African economy itself, suggesting that any negative impacts from tariff hikes would also have repercussions for US companies operating in the country. 'The government should focus on growing the South African economy and not worry too much about US-imposed tariff hikes. Remember, there are more than 600 US companies in SA that stand to benefit from a healthy and functioning economy, so anything that will cripple the South African economy will have a direct and adverse impact on these companies too,' Ntombela said. Professor Bonke Dumisa, an independent economic analyst, said that the pause announced by Trump initially worked positively. 'However, it is now a well-accepted fact that Trump's tariff wars have failed; many countries are no longer scared of them. Hence, I do not think any additional days or weeks will make a positive impact. It is precisely for this reason that the USA did not publicly disclose the contents of their international agreement with China,' Dumisa said. BUSINESS REPORT
