ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula has defended President Cyril Ramaphosa’s visit to the United States, saying it is a necessary diplomatic move to protect South Africa’s economic interests and reset trade relations with its second-largest trading partner.
“South Africa is a sovereign country, and if things fall apart between us and the United States, it must be explained,” Mbalula said.
He added that Ramaphosa’s engagement with US President Donald Trump is in the best interest of the country.
“The President is not on holiday. He’s going to fight for South Africans. He’s going to normalise things in their interest,” he said.
He dismissed criticism of the trip, stating that those opposing it “are sitting on their laurels complaining and proposing things that will not help our economy.”
According to Mbalula, Ramaphosa’s visit is focused on repairing strained trade relations, particularly concerning the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which provides duty-free access to US markets for many South African products.
“Remember, if AGOA goes, how many jobs will go? Especially in terms of the automobile industry,” he warned.
He added that while South Africa has other trade options, it cannot afford to lose such a key partner “over issues that are not clearly explained.”
Mbalula also addressed criticism from US conservatives and others who have accused South Africa of “genocide” about its domestic crime and political discourse.
He dismissed this as political distortion: “All patriots have risen to the occasion to condemn any notion that seeks to suggest that there is a genocide.”
“Genocide is a political terminology that suggests there is a programme by the state to annihilate a particular race. That is simply not the case in South Africa,” Mbalula said.
He praised Ramaphosa for defending the country’s sovereignty while using “the tools of diplomacy” to engage constructively with international partners.
Mbalula also affirmed that governance continues in the President’s absence, with Acting President Gwede Mantashe in place. He assured the public that Budget 3.0 will be tabled as scheduled.
“South Africa’s democracy is indestructible. The Government of National Unity (GNU) is still here, and we still have to work to ensure the economy works for our people.”
Get your news on the go, click here to join the News WhatsApp channel.
Politics
