The content on this page is not written by Polity.org.za, but is supplied by third parties. This content does not constitute news reporting by Polity.org.za.

AfriForum holds President Cyril Ramaphosa and other ANC leaders in government directly responsible for the notification from the US administration regarding its intention to terminate South Africa’s status as a beneficiary under the US’s African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) effective 1 January 2027, as well as for the job losses that will result from this.

According to AfriForum, Ramaphosa and his government’s foreign policy, as well as the signing of the Expropriation Act on 23 January 2025, contributed directly to US President Donald Trump’s announcement just ten days later that the US would take action against South Africa. AGOA sets out explicit requirements regarding the protection of private property rights and stipulates that beneficiary countries may not undermine US national security or foreign policy interests.

According to Werner Human, AfriForum’s deputy CEO, the government’s foreign policy prioritises ideological nostalgia for countries such as Cuba, Venezuela, and Iran over the interests of ordinary South Africans.

“There is no meaningful distinction between the ANC’s foreign policy and that of the government. For the ANC, it is about narrow party interests and factional infighting, rather than economic growth and job creation in South Africa,” adds Human.

As early as April 2024, AfriForum warned Ramaphosa in a letter about the dangers the Expropriation Act poses to property rights, and proposed that the provisions threatening private property rights be removed. There was no response to this letter. Over the past few years, AfriForum, Solidarity, and the Solidarity Movement have also consistently submitted proposals to the Presidency aimed at resolving the ongoing dispute with the USA – including specific proposals from Solidarity regarding AGOA.

“Ultimately, it is the absence of political will on the part of President Ramaphosa and the government to find a solution with the US that is now resulting in ordinary citizens paying the price for the ANC’s political selfishness,” says Human.

In his notice, Trump expressed hope that South Africa would heed the US’s concerns and once again become eligible for AGOA benefits.

AfriForum will continue to play a constructive role in ensuring that issues such as the “Kill the Boer” chant, the protection of property rights, and race-based laws are addressed – in the interest of the country.

Issued by AfriForum