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Maroela Media reports that on Tuesday Solidarity re-emphasised that it was essential that SA’s position as a beneficiary of the African Growth and Opportunities Act (Agoa) be protected.
The trade union said it would continue with its work in that regard, which has involved extensive engagements with the US government over the past two years. Following the storm over US President Donald Trump’s statements about SA and his decision to temporarily suspend funding for various projects in SA, fears are growing that Trump could impose economic punitive measures against SA that could plunge the country into an economic crisis. According to Solidarity, the statements by Trump are a “direct result of the weak, inadequate and sometimes dangerous diplomatic actions by the South African government.” The trade union pointed out that in the past five years, the SA embassy in Washington has often been without an active ambassador and no proactive efforts have been made to build relationships. “Therefore, Trump’s attack on South Africa did not fall out of thin air; it has had a long time coming, and President Ramaphosa and his team are to be blamed for this diplomatic mess.” For Solidarity the most important priority was to counteract the economic damage caused by this diplomatic breach. According to Solidarity Chief Executive Dr Dirk Hermann, the conditions under which SA is able to export to the USA are not only favourable, but the country also has a large trade surplus with the USA. Solidarity said, however, it was concerned that the deteriorating diplomatic relations between SA and the US, especially since Trump’s inauguration, could lead to SA being kicked out of Agoa in the future. “During the past two years we have participated in numerous discussions about the renewal or extension of Agoa. During three visits to Washington, we have also canvassed support among members of the US Congress to extend the law,” the union reported.
- Read the full original of the report in the above regard in Afrikaans at Maroela Media
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