Trump tariffs put 100,000 jobs at risk in South Africa: Lesetja Kganyago
Kganyago told radio station 702 the impact of the 30% tariff, which Africa's biggest economy faces from August 1, could cause significant damage to specific industries.
'The impact in agriculture could be devastating because agriculture employs a lot of low-skilled workers and here the impact is on citrus, table grapes and wines.'
Statistics showing South African car exports to the US slumped more than 80% in the wake of import tariffs imposed on cars by the Trump administration in April were concerning.
'If we do not find alternative measures the impact on jobs could be about 100,000, so that is what we face,' the governor said.
South Africa has one of the highest unemployment rates in the world, with the official rate at 32.9% in the first quarter of this year and an expanded definition at 43.1%.
Farmer groups have also warned of the adverse impact of the tariffs on producers of citrus, macadamia nuts, grapes, wine, fruit juices and ostrich leather.
In the citrus sector, the tariffs have put 35,000 jobs in jeopardy and threaten to devastate towns such as Citrusdal in the Western Cape that are heavily dependent on exports to the US.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
IOL News
20 minutes ago
- IOL News
Trump Tariffs: South Africa signs framework deal in ongoing US trade talks
The Department of Trade and Industry has confirmed it has signed a condition precedent document with the US Image: Armand Hough /Independent Newspapers As the countdown to the US's planned 30% tariff increase on South African exports edges closer, the Department of Trade and Industry has confirmed it has signed a condition precedent document with the US Trade Representative's office. According to the department, the document signed is a condition precedent, serving as a preliminary framework that outlines the necessary steps before a full trade agreement can be finalised. "We have not signed any substantive agreement yet. The document signed was a precedent condition document," Ministerial spokesperson Kaamil Alli said. "This is a precursor to the finalizing of the negotiations, which are ongoing". This comes after US President Donald Trump sent a formal letter to President Cyril Ramaphosa demanding action on trade imbalances and warning of the impending tariff hike set for August 1, 2025. The tariffs are aimed at addressing what the US describes as South Africa's 'unsustainable trade deficits' and longstanding market barriers. The US decision to increase tariffs on South African goods has raised concerns among industry experts and exporters, who warn that key sectors such as automotive, agriculture, and mining could be severely impacted. 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 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. Next Stay Close ✕ Last week, IOL reported that Minister of Finance Enoch Godongwana warned that South Africa stands to lose around 100,000 jobs due to US tariffs if a trade deal is not renewed. "My prayer, first and foremost, is that the deal should be made by August 1st. And secondly, if it's not made, it would be useful that we get an extension until we finalise the deal,' he said. "Of course, the US has a huge economy. If we lose a trading partner such as the USA, it's going to have a major impact and create more unemployment in the economy.". Last month, the Automotive Business Council (Naamsa revealed that South Africa's vehicle exports to the United States have dropped dramatically following the imposition of US tariffs, with declines of 73% in the first quarter of 2025, and further falls of 80% and 85% in April and May, respectively. This was after Trump imposed a 25% tariff on all vehicles imported into the US earlier this year. IOL News Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel
The South African
an hour ago
- The South African
South African hospitality teams unite to tackle hunger
Six thousand vulnerable South Africans were served warm meals in a spirited Mandela Day cook-off to fight against hunger. This was all thanks to the combined efforts of Marriott International and the non-profit organisation Chefs with Compassion. Together, they prepared 1,500 litres of nourishing soup as part of the national #67000litres Challenge held on 18 July, according to Spice4Life. Mandela Day honours the legacy of Nelson Mandela by encouraging South Africans to dedicate 67 minutes of service to their communities, one minute for each year Mandela served the nation. This year, Marriott's South African team, comprised of volunteers from 14 hotels including The Westin, Marriott Hotels, AC Hotels by Marriott, and Protea Hotels by Marriott, participated enthusiastically. Each team was tasked with cooking as much soup as possible within a 67-minute window. They used donated, surplus, or rescued ingredients that would otherwise have gone to waste. Chefs with Compassion distributed the prepared meals to community kitchens and non-profit organisations nationwide. This provided immediate relief through warm, nutritious food. Johann Nortje, Chairperson of Marriott International's Southern Africa Business Council, emphasised the deeper meaning behind the initiative. 'Hospitality is about service every day, but Mandela Day challenges us to take that service beyond our doors into the communities we serve. Working with Chefs with Compassion allows us to use our skills and resources to fight hunger, reduce waste, and honour Madiba's legacy.' South Africa faces a stark reality of over 20 million people hungry, while more than 10 million tonnes of food is wasted every year. The #67000litres Challenge, now in its sixth year, tackles both issues by transforming surplus food into nutritious meals. Since 2020, the campaign has cooked over 450,000 litres of soup, providing more than 1.8 million servings across the country. Chef Coovashan Pillay, Founding Director of Chefs with Compassion and Food & Beverage Manager at Protea Hotel by Marriott Johannesburg Wanderers, highlighted the impact. 'Feeding the hungry is one of the most powerful acts of service. With Marriott's support, we're able to reach more communities and make a bigger impact in the fight against hunger.' Chefs with Compassion is a volunteer-driven organisation that links chefs, hospitality teams, and community groups. It aims to rescue edible food and serve those most in need. The campaign also raises awareness about food waste and the importance of sustainability in the South African food industry. This year's cook-off significantly contributed to the broader national effort, with teams preparing over 142,000 litres of soup nationwide. This was enough to feed more than 600,000 people. Donations included more than five tonnes of chicken and eggs from the poultry industry, fresh vegetables, bread, and other essentials. This was all supplied by various partners who stand in solidarity against hunger. The initiative shows how unity and compassion among South Africans can transform food waste into valuable meals, honouring Mandela's spirit and helping those who need it most. Mandela Day continues to be a powerful reminder that every South African can make a difference, whether through 67 minutes or more, to build a hunger-free nation. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
TimesLIVE
4 hours ago
- TimesLIVE
G20 SA 2025: a defining moment for the nation and the continent
Johannesburg, as host city, will become a strategic hub of diplomacy, business exchange, and cultural showcase. While the summit itself is a high-level, closed-door affair, South Africans can expect a wave of public engagement, community-driven programmes, investment conversations, and national pride as the event draws near. 'The G20 presidency is a powerful opportunity for SA to place Africa's priorities at the heart of global decision-making. We are committed to driving an inclusive agenda that ensures no country, and no person, is left behind,' says President Cyril Ramaphosa. For the South African government, this is more than ceremonial. It is an opportunity for G20 members to transform commitments into lasting action. Key issues remain a challenge in the country and on the continent, and there is a call for greater accountability to drive tangible progress in the global pursuit of gender equality SA's G20 presidency is also an opportunity to elevate African perspectives, strengthen international alliances, and advance sustainable development goals. It is a chance to reinforce SA's commitment to multilateralism and global co-operation at a time when unity is more important than ever. As preparations intensify in the coming months, all eyes will be on SA not just as a host, but as a bridge between developed and developing economies. The 2025 G20 Leader's Summit is more than just a gathering of nations. It is a moment for SA to lead with purpose, to shape global consensus, and to drive transformation that begins on the continent but resonates across the globe.
