International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola says he views the relationship between South Africa and the United States as unpredictable.

He believes the country should prepare for this reality by diversifying to become self-sustainable. The Minister was speaking at the Freedom Dialogue at the Friedrich Naumann Foundation, where the focus was on geopolitical developments, South Africa’s G20 presidency, and the impending implementation of US tariffs.

Minister Lamola argues that South Africa needs to explore other global economies.

“To build our self-sustainability, to look at other markets across the globe. At least we already have what we believe is a reliable partner, the European Union. We need to build from that relationship, look at what is possible. And a market in China, with which the President had already built relations,” says Lamola.

International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola talks about his engagement with the United States. He is currently speaking at the freedom dialogue hosted by the Friedrich Naumann Foundation, discussing an array of topics relating to foreign policy#sabcnews pic.twitter.com/THgCuZrx2M

— Bonolo Maribe (@bonolo_maribe) August 7, 2025

Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Hon. Ronald Lamola, participated in a Freedom Dialogue on South Africa’s G20 presidency, global positioning, and the future of African diplomacy in Parkview, Johannesburg.#FNFreedomDialogue

📷: Katlholo Maifadi/DIRCO pic.twitter.com/DZJOGdcXSY

— DIRCO South Africa (@DIRCO_ZA) August 7, 2025

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