International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola has lashed out at opposition parties, both within and outside the GNU, for failing to speak with one voice on matters of national interest, following the United States’ decision to impose a 30% tariff on South African imports.

Speaking at a joint media briefing on Monday at the Germiston Civic Centre in Ekurhuleni, Lamola, alongside Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau, called on all South Africans to unite in response to the escalating trade dispute.

“These are complex issues. All South Africans should speak with one voice in the national interest – whether in opposition, in the GNU, in government, outside government, NGOs or in business,” Lamola said.

The tariffs, announced by the administration of US President Donald Trump, will take effect at 12:01am on August 8.

While other African countries, including Lesotho and Zimbabwe, will face a 15% tariff, South Africa has been singled out for a significantly steeper duty.

Analysts argued that this was a sign of worsening relations between Pretoria and Washington.

Lamola said the government has worked diligently to stabilise and strengthen trade ties with the US since the start of the seventh administration. 

In May, South Africa submitted a comprehensive framework deal aimed at addressing the US trade deficit, promoting digital trade, boosting investment, and removing non-tariff barriers. 

However, despite ongoing discussions, Washington pressed ahead with the unilateral tariff hike.

“This decision comes as both countries are engaged in efforts to resolve long-standing bilateral issues,” Lamola said. 

“Sadly, these efforts now seem to have been undermined, much to our dismay.”

Lamola said that the tariffs were not unique to South Africa.

“This is not just a South African phenomenon. The US has imposed similar tariffs on both its allies and adversaries. We must not take it personally, but instead work to find common ground,” he said.

The Democratic Alliance (DA), the second-largest party in the GNU, has blamed Lamola and Tau for failing to secure a more favourable outcome. 

DA trade spokesperson Toby Chance said the government’s failure to station a permanent diplomat in Washington had left South Africa at a disadvantage during negotiations.

“This ‘no deal’ scenario is the result of negligence, failed diplomacy and ineptitude,” Chance said. 

“Our negotiators missed the initial deadline to submit trade terms and then had to request an extension.”

He added that neighbouring Botswana had successfully negotiated its tariffs down from 37% to 15%, and said South Africa should have achieved similar results.

The DA itself has also come under fire for its approach to the US. 

Ealier this year, senior party members, including MP Andrew Whitfield, then deputy minister of trade, travelled to Washington in an effort to salvage the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) agreement. 

President Cyril Ramaphosa later dismissed Whitfield for making the trip without authorisation.

The DA described the March visit as a diplomatic mission aligned with the country’s foreign policy, but the ANC criticised it as reckless and unauthorised.

Lobby groups including AfriForum, Solidarity and Freedom Front Plus also undertook trips to the US, citing concerns about land expropriation, farm attacks and controversial political rhetoric, including the “Kill the Boer” chant by Economic Freedom Fighters leader Julius Malema.

Lamola rejected these separate initiatives as counterproductive and reiterated the need for unity.

“We must all speak in one voice to promote South Africa’s national interest, because if there are any consequences, they will affect us all,” he said.

In his weekly letter to the nation, President Cyril Ramaphosa noted that South Africa is grappling with the United States’ decision.However, he insists the country is not alone in facing mounting global trade challenges.

“Our trade relations have historically been complementary in nature. South African exports do not compete with US producers and do not pose a threat to US industry. It remains our aspiration that this should continue.

“Largely, our exports are inputs into US industries and therefore support the United States’ industrial base. South Africa is also the biggest investor from the African Continent into the US, with 22 of our companies investing in a number of sectors including, mining, chemicals, pharmaceuticals and the food chain,” he said. 

Ramaphosa added that it is important to understand that South Africa is not alone in facing high tariffs from the US.

“A number of export-reliant developed and developing economies, including several on the continent, are also grappling with these measures,” he added.

simon.majadibodu@iol.co.za

IOL Politics

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