AfriForum Points Fingers at ANC and Ramaphosa Over South Africa’s AGOA Exclusion

AfriForum has reportedly blamed President Cyril Ramaphosa and the African National Congress (ANC) for South Africa’s exclusion from a US trade agreement, accusing the government of making decisions that contributed to the country’s trade difficulties.

AfriForum chief executive Kallie Kriel argues that the government’s decision to introduce the new land expropriation law played a significant role in the dispute. The legislation allows the state to expropriate property without compensation under certain circumstances, a position Kriel believes conflicts with the United States’ protection of private property rights.

According to Kriel, AfriForum had already raised concerns with President Ramaphosa in 2024, warning that the legislation could negatively affect South Africa’s relationship with the United States. However, he claims the President failed to respond to the organisation’s concerns.

Kriel further stated that civil society organisations made efforts to engage US officials directly in an attempt to prevent the trade dispute from escalating. He maintains that the government did not adequately consider their warnings or recommendations.

He has also expressed concern about the potential economic consequences, warning that ordinary South Africans, particularly factory workers and those employed in affected industries, could bear the greatest burden.

Kriel argues that the situation could have serious implications for employment and economic stability, accusing political leaders of allowing political differences to take priority over the country’s broader economic interests.

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