US-South Africa relations hit rough patch: ‘Thousands of jobs at risk’

Tensions are running high between the US government and South Africa over the latter’s foreign policy, with potentially devastating consequences for the South African economy.

According to Jaco Kleynhans, Head of International Relations at Solidarity Movement, the ANC government actions have alienated the world largest economy, putting tens of thousands of jobs at risk.

The Solidarity Movement, which includes AfriForum and Solidarity, has been in talks with senior members of the US Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Trump administration.

Kleynhans warns that the US is considering a Bill to review bilateral relations with South Africa, which could have disastrous consequences for the country’s participation in the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).

AGOA provides tariff relief to African countries and currently supports approximately 500,000 jobs in South Africa. The proposed Bill takes issue with South Africa’s historic ties with Hamas, China, Iran, and Russia, as well as its flawed domestic policy and perceived abandonment of neutrality.

The Solidarity Movement is calling for targeted sanctions against corrupt individuals and pressure on ANC leaders, rather than punishing ordinary South Africans.

However, Kleynhans notes that the South African government’s diplomatic efforts in the US have been lacking, and its ability to govern and address corruption is under scrutiny.

As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the stakes are high, and the consequences of inaction could be severe for South Africa’s economy and its people.