logo
Ramaphosa speaks to Trump ahead of 30% US tariffs

Ramaphosa speaks to Trump ahead of 30% US tariffs

eNCA3 days ago
JOHANNESBURG - President Cyril Ramaphosa called President Donald Trump ahead of the US imposition of 30-percent tariffs on South African exports on Thursday and the leaders agreed to "further engagements", the government said.
The South African government has been negotiating hard to avoid the tariffs, the highest in sub-Saharan Africa, which it says could cost around 30,000 jobs.
The presidents' telephone call on Wednesday was about bilateral trade matters, Ramaphosa's office said.
"The two leaders undertook to continue with further engagements recognising the various trade negotiations the US is currently involved in," it said in a statement.
"Respective trade negotiating teams will take forward more detailed discussions."
Ramaphosa "reached out through a phone call to President Trump yesterday morning as part of bolstering South Africa's negotiation efforts on the trade agreements," the ministry of the presidency said separately.
The United States is South Africa's second-largest trading partner by country after China.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Gauteng department faces scrutiny over R8. 4 million contracts to questionable 'military veterans'
Gauteng department faces scrutiny over R8. 4 million contracts to questionable 'military veterans'

IOL News

time28 minutes ago

  • IOL News

Gauteng department faces scrutiny over R8. 4 million contracts to questionable 'military veterans'

Gauteng's Department of Sports, Arts, Culture, and Recreation faces criticism for awarding contracts to companies falsely claiming veteran ownership, raising serious concerns about misuse of public funds. The Gauteng Department of Sports, Arts, Culture, and Recreation (SACR) is slated after awarding over R8.4 million to companies claiming to be owned by 'military veterans,' despite records showing some directors were born in the 1990s. The Military Veterans Act of 2011 defines a military veteran as any South African citizen who falls into one of the following categories: Those who rendered military service to any of the military organisations involved on all sides of South Africa's liberation war from 1960 to 1994; Those who served in the Union Defence Force before 1961; and Those who became members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) after 1994 have completed their military training, no longer perform military duties, and have not been dishonourably discharged from the military. Following questions raised by the Democratic Alliance (DA) in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature (GPL), the party stated that Gauteng MEC for Sports, Arts, Culture, and Recreation, Matome Chiloane, confirmed that the department awarded contracts to 24 companies owned by military veterans over the past three financial years. Kingsol Chabalala, DA Gauteng Shadow MEC for Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation, stated that the awarded companies have provided a range of services, including security at libraries such as Driezik and Kagiso, as well as managing events for wreath-laying ceremonies and celebrations for Human Rights and Heritage Day. He highlighted that the documents, in possession of The Star, exposed a troubling trend of false claims, pointing out that many companies on the list are directed by individuals born in the 1990s, which disqualifies them from being considered genuine military veterans. 'A closer inspection of the entities reveals a disturbing pattern of misrepresentation. Notably, several listed companies have directors who were born in the 1990s, making them far too young to be categorised as military veterans. For instance, the director of RE DLALA GAME TRADING, which received R459 156.46, was born in 1990; the director of Intellectditcom, backed with R147 700, was born in 1995; and the director of MATHABATSEME ENTERPRISE, which received R486 349.50, was born in 1996.' Chabalala further asserted that this represents a clear abuse of procurement processes to secure profitable contracts, exposing how certain individuals within the department are prepared to exploit veterans' legacy and public resources for personal benefit. He further stated that the DA will contact Chiloane to seek clarification on how this clear inconsistency was ignored or tolerated. 'The DA will write to MEC Chiloane, urging him to clarify how such a blatant discrepancy went unnoticed or permitted to persist under his watch. We will also demand that he conduct an urgent investigation into those responsible for awarding these contracts and ensure that they face appropriate consequences. This process must be carried out transparently and without bias,' Chabalala added. Responding to the concerns, Mxolisi Mkhonza, spokesperson for the Department of Military Veterans, explained that serving members of the SANDF qualify as military veterans once they leave the armed forces and are registered on the South African National Military Veterans Database. This includes individuals who have completed the Military Skills Development System (MSDS), which annually recruits citizens into the SANDF. Mkhonza also noted that the department is considering amending the registration process. 'Therefore, there will be no need for an investigation as these are legitimate military veterans according to the Act in its current state. The DMV is, however, looking to begin the process of amending the Military Veterans Act in order to circumvent such gaps, which are being exploited by certain individuals.' He added that the application and verification process for recognition as a military veteran involves several requirements, beginning with proof of having served or trained as a soldier, details of which are available on the DMV website. Once approved, individuals are listed on the South African National Military Veterans Database and issued a confirmation letter. This letter enables them to apply for various benefits outlined in Section 5 of the Act, provided they meet the qualifying criteria. Mkhonza explained that the DMV can not comment on other departments' procedures but works with them across government to deliver benefits. 'As a coordinating department, we work with various other government departments at all spheres of government in rolling out benefits. Each department may then have its criteria on how to go about issuing benefits to individuals specifically earmarked as military veterans. The DMV cannot speak on processes followed by other departments, such as the SACR.' The Star's attempts to get a comment from SACR were unsuccessful. We had not received a response by publication time. The Star

Presidency caught up in battle with civil society groups over direction & cost of National Dialogue
Presidency caught up in battle with civil society groups over direction & cost of National Dialogue

Eyewitness News

timean hour ago

  • Eyewitness News

Presidency caught up in battle with civil society groups over direction & cost of National Dialogue

CAPE TOWN - With just days to go before the start of the National Dialogue, the Presidency is still caught up in a battle with civil society groups over the direction it will take and the costs involved. It said the total budget for the dialogue would be developed once the structure and form of the community dialogues were finalised by the convention. On Friday, the foundations of former presidents pulled out of the gathering, citing a lack of funding and insufficient time to prepare. But President Cyril Ramaphosa has dug in his heels, saying the first convention will go ahead as planned this coming Friday. ALSO READ: • Blame game erupts between govt, legacy foundations over National Dialogue • Postponing upcoming national convention wouldn't have been possible - Ramaphosa • National Dialogue organising team restructured after withdrawal of several foundations - Ramaphosa • ANC calls for urgent resolution to disputes surrounding the upcoming National Dialogue • National Dialogue: ActionSA rethinking participation after key foundations' withdrawal • SAns urged to be more active citizens & contribute towards rebuilding country Ever since the initial more than R700 million price tag was first attached to the event, it's sparked debate over whether the country could afford such an undertaking given constraints on the fiscus and the country's many urgent needs. While foundations that have withdrawn from the occasion have argued that more money is needed, the Presidency said on Sunday that the budget would depend on in-kind contributions, donations, and other resources that may be mobilised. On Friday, seven legacy foundations, including that of Thabo Mbeki, FW de Klerk, Steve Biko and Desmond and Leah Tutu, pulled out of the occasion over clashes with the Presidency. The University of South Africa will be providing free venues for the national convention, while there have also been donations for screens for public viewing and free transport. The Presidency said that money would come from the budgets of NEDLAC and itself to cover the rest of the costs associated with the first convention. Spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said that public funds would be strictly monitored. "The reduced cost associated with the hosting of the National Dialogue and the funding plan are done with the intention of reducing the cost to the fiscus." Magwenya said that under the leadership of Deputy President Paul Mashatile, the inter-ministerial committee had been working to mobilise resources for the convention.

South Africa Holds Hope for Review of US Import Tariffs After High-Level Call
South Africa Holds Hope for Review of US Import Tariffs After High-Level Call

IOL News

time2 hours ago

  • IOL News

South Africa Holds Hope for Review of US Import Tariffs After High-Level Call

Import tariffs by the United States could still be reconsidered, following direct communication between President Cyril Ramaphosa and US President Donald Trump. Image: Mandel NGAN / AFP The South African government remains optimistic that recently imposed import tariffs by the United States could still be reconsidered, following direct communication between President Cyril Ramaphosa and US President Donald Trump. In a phone call held on Wednesday, the two leaders discussed trade relations between the two countries, with a focus on the new tariffs that have raised concern among South African exporters. The conversation marks a significant diplomatic step as Pretoria seeks to protect local industries affected by the changes in US trade policy. While details of the discussion remain limited, government officials have confirmed that President Ramaphosa used the opportunity to raise concerns about the impact of the tariffs on South African businesses and jobs. According to sources familiar with the matter, Ramaphosa highlighted the long-standing partnership between the two nations and expressed hope that the tariffs could still be reviewed in a spirit of cooperation. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading The tariffs in question have placed added pressure on several key sectors in South Africa, particularly agriculture and steel. Exporters of these goods have already reported increased costs and reduced competitiveness in the American market since the duties came into effect. Business leaders have warned that unless the situation changes, some companies may be forced to scale back operations or even cut jobs. In response, the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition has been engaging with its counterparts in Washington, hoping to find a resolution that will allow continued access to one of South Africa's most important trading partners. Officials say they are exploring all diplomatic and legal options available under international trade agreements. Minister of Trade Ebrahim Patel said the government remains committed to finding a way forward through dialogue. 'We believe that the relationship between South Africa and the United States has always been one of cooperation and mutual benefit. We are confident that, with continued engagement, we can address these recent trade developments in a way that supports both economies.' South Africa and the United States share a strong trade relationship under the African Growth and Opportunity Act, which gives eligible African countries preferential access to the US market. However, new tariff measures introduced by the Trump administration have threatened to disrupt that arrangement, especially for goods that are now facing additional duties upon entry into the US.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store