Solidarity Research Institute economic researcher Theuns du Buisson said on Tuesday that his union is in discussions with US diplomats to ensure that South Africa is not kicked out of the African Growth and Opportunities Act (Agoa) which would lead to job losses.

This comes after reports that South Africa allegedly provided weapons to Russia.

The US is one of the countries that has been assisting Ukraine to fight back against Russia.

Du Buisson says Agoa, which is expected to be renewed in September, offers extremely favourable trade terms to African countries, including South Africa, and argues that the government’s “nonchalant attitude” about the Agoa agreement could have a devastating impact on many jobs and industries.

Solidarity has compiled a report, which found that, among other things, South Africa’s exports to the US amounted to R178-billion in 2022, of which 20% benefited from the Agoa agreement.

Du Buisson avers that the ruling African National Congress (ANC) despises South Africa’s relationship with the US which is the country’s second-largest trading partner.

“Exports to the USA put food on the table for one in 37 South African families. Agoa currently provides 85 000 jobs, many of which are in extremely vulnerable sectors such as agriculture and manufacturing. Too many people depend on the income they generate from this deal for it to be ignored. The US must know that the ANC government does not always embody the will of the people or act in their best interest. The report was very well received in Washington,” said du Buisson.

 

Solidarity-AGOA Report Attached.