During a discussion at the Financial Times Africa Summit held in London on Tuesday, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, addressed the complexities of trade relationships and South Africa’s role on the global stage. 

The summit, hosted by Financial Times journalist David Pilling, included an overview of a recent meeting in the Oval Office and the pressing issues surrounding the G20.

As Lamola recounted his experiences from the Oval Office meeting, which was marred by tensions stemming from misconceptions about South Africa, he reaffirmed the nation’s commitment to fostering a strategic partnership with the United States.

“We continue to view the US as a strategic partner to our economy,” he stated, pointing out the substantial American investment in South Africa, with over 600 US companies operating within its borders.

The Minister highlighted that the relationship extends beyond the political relations of Washington and includes civil society ties.

The conversation quickly turned to the ongoing trade negotiations between South Africa and the US. Pilling pressed Lamola on potential sticking points, such as black empowerment and land reform policies, which the US views as integral to easing tariff burdens.

 Lamola maintained that these domestic issues are non-negotiable, asserting: “We think we have sufficient safeguards in South Africa.”

He assured that the South African government would not relent on its sovereignty regarding policies like Black Economic Empowerment (BEE), despite external pressures to address them as trade issues.“We have insisted that this should be separated from the trade engagements,” he said. 

The Minister expressed cautious optimism about ongoing discussions, particularly regarding the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) and potential extensions of its benefits for South Africa.

A topic of importance during the summit was the upcoming G20 meeting, which marks a historic moment as it will be chaired by an African nation for the first time. Lamola emphasised the importance of seizing this opportunity to advocate for substantial outcomes that prioritise the needs of the Global South and spotlight pressing issues such as climate financing and the transformation of international financial architecture. 

“We are very much looking forward to the outcomes that will speak to the Global South,” he stated, highlighting Africa’s urgent calls for investments in development amidst challenges like climate change. However, Lamola acknowledged the unpredictability of the current global climate, which has led to challenges in achieving consensus within the G20. He reiterated South Africa’s commitment to advocating for affordable capital for developing countries, a topic that has become increasingly critical in light of rising geopolitical tensions.

Pilling also pressed the Minister on perceptions surrounding BEE and its effectiveness, echoing sentiments from abroad that suggest a need for reform. Lamola acknowledged that all policies evolve. “Any policy needs reform. There’s no static policy anywhere in the world,” he remarked, emphasising that while BEE has its challenges, it remains a critical instrument for addressing the historical injustices faced by the black majority. He defended it against claims that it solely benefits a select few, asserting that it is grounded in community upliftment and broader inclusivity.

On the topic of internal politics, Lamola addressed mounting frustrations within the ANC as the party navigates the complexities of governance amid corruption scandals and public dissatisfaction. He stressed the importance of resilience within South Africa’s democratic framework, noting, “Corruption has got no colour,” and advocating for accountability across all sectors of society.

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