China pivot not a quick fix to US trade pains
Addressing the media during a press briefing on Monday morning, Tau said there were discussions with China regarding an announcement at this year's Forum for China-Africa Cooperation (Focac) for lower duty trade with the second-largest economy in the world, but this was being studied.
'It is not as simple as opening up floodgates [to China]. There have been a few developments with regard to China. These include the fact that China announced at Focac this year that it will reduce tariffs to 0% for all countries but one.
'We took the opportunity to engage with the Chinese to say: 'What does this mean?'. How do we implement it?' This was two weeks ago. They said we need to sign the China-Africa economic partnership agreement, or some form of economic agreement, so we are able to unlock this.'
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The Herald
an hour ago
- The Herald
Bay acting electricity boss dragged out of office by staff
Nelson Mandela Bay's acting executive director of electricity and energy, Tholi Biyela, was forcibly removed from his office at the Munelek building on Tuesday by disgruntled officials who accused him of undermining them and ruling with an iron fist. A large group of officials, accompanied by leaders of the South African Municipal Workers Union (Samwu), stormed Biyela's office, demanding his resignation from the position. His removal was preceded by a union meeting. During the meeting, officials voiced their dissatisfaction with Biyela, and a resolution was passed to remove him from office. Acting city manager Ted Pillay has since called a top-level management meeting for Wednesday to discuss the issue and workers' grievances. Samwu shop steward Ayanda Solani said Biyela allegedly undermined engineers who had worked in the city for years by starting a process to appoint Eskom as an independent contractor. 'On top of this, Eskom will also bring its service providers to work on the municipal infrastructure,' Solani said. 'It is as if we are not capable of doing the work we studied for and have been doing all our professional lives. 'This partnership means that Eskom will be procuring material on behalf of the municipality and will attend to electricity faults at a cost. 'This will cost the municipality twice for the same job.' Solani said Biyela wrote a memorandum and prepared a service level agreement that just needed Pillay's approval. 'The turnaround strategy [for the electricity directorate] has not been presented and agreed with the unions, but Biyela is ready to present it at the next standing committee.' Solani said they were unhappy with Biyela calling a meeting to address workers without Samwu, in which he bashed the union. Biyela has been at odds with some officials in the directorate who have previously accused him of threatening their lives when he said in a meeting that 'lives will be shed'. On the other hand, Biyela opened a case with the police in July after receiving an anonymous phone call from a stranger who said 'You won't see the sun rise tomorrow'. Working relations between Biyela and staff have created unfavourable conditions for all parties involved. Biyela did not respond to a request for comment. Electricity and energy political head Ziyanda Mnqokoyi said, based on information they had received, the only concern raised with Biyela was that staff did not want him in the post. 'The Eskom issue is new to me. 'However, if this concern was raised by the workers regarding the involvement of Eskom in certain technical operations, it has been noted. 'It is important to clarify that the municipality, like many others across the country, occasionally engages with Eskom or other entities when specialised or high-risk technical assistance is required, particularly in instances where the stability of the local grid or resident safety may be at stake. 'This is not a reflection on the competency of our internal teams but rather a strategic step to augment capacity and ensure service continuity.' Regarding allegations about Biyela's management style, Mnqokoyi said they would be investigated through the proper channels. 'I will work closely with the city manager and labour representatives to restore calm, address underlying concerns and ensure that the interests of the residents remain the top priority.' When the reporter arrived at Munelek, one of the workers who spoke at the gathering said Biyela made their work harder and would confront subordinates over office gossip. 'Biyela is entertaining gossip and threatening to suspend people,' the worker said. 'He has a bullying kind of leadership style. 'His appointment as acting executive director with only five months in the metro was a huge disaster. 'He comes from a small local municipality in Knysna and has no experience of running a metro department. 'To add to that, he doesn't have experience and is not mature.' A second worker said Biyela, by bringing Eskom in, was saying they could not do their jobs. 'Many of our colleagues are on leave because they can't deal with his leadership style of threatening people. 'We can't continue like this. 'He must go and we will continue doing our jobs as we have been all along.' Municipal spokesperson Sithembiso Soyaya condemned Biyela's removal. He said such conduct undermined the law, workplace discipline and institutional processes to resolve disputes. 'We can confirm that an unlawful incident involving the forceful removal of Biyela occurred this morning,' Soyaya said. 'This is being investigated and dealt with through the appropriate legal and disciplinary channels. 'Security and legal measures are being put in place to ensure Biyela's safety and to prevent any recurrence of such incidents. 'Leadership appointments follow formal governance processes and decisions cannot be made through unlawful or coercive means. 'Biyela's acting contract remains valid until further notice or formal review by the city manager, who has the delegated authority in this regard.'
Mail & Guardian
3 hours ago
- Mail & Guardian
Women's Month Interview – Ambassador of the Dominican Republic, H.E. Erika Álvarez Rodriguez
Ambassador of the Dominican Republic, H.E. Erika Álvarez Rodriguez In celebration of Women's Month, The Diplomat spoke with H.E. Erika Álvarez Rodriguez, Ambassador of the Dominican Republic to South Africa, about her journey in diplomacy, the importance of gender equality, and her message to women and girls around the world. What inspired you to pursue a career in diplomacy? After completing my first specialization abroad, I was exposed to diverse cultures, international dialogue, and global challenges in a way that profoundly shaped my worldview. That experience sparked in me a deep conviction: that I wanted to serve my country by building bridges with others, defending our interests, and contributing to global peace and cooperation. I was inspired by the transformative power of diplomacy—to bring nations closer, promote understanding, and foster inclusive development. I saw diplomacy not only as a profession, but as a calling rooted in service, dialogue, and justice. Today, it is a great honor and responsibility to represent the government and people of the Dominican Republic on the international stage. As the first woman to serve as Dominican Ambassador to South Africa, I hope my journey stands as an example to younger generations of women—that with discipline, preparation, and commitment, we can achieve any goal we set for ourselves. Diplomacy is not just a career—it is an integral part of who I am, both as a professional and as a woman. It reflects my values, my identity, and my unwavering belief in the power of dialogue, inclusion, and global solidarity. What message of hope and inspiration would you like to share with women and girls during Women's Month? To all women and girls—especially the new generations: never let the limitations imposed by others define your worth, your dreams, or your right to lead. Your voice matters. Your presence is powerful. And your future is full of possibility. Throughout my journey, I've found that four tools are essential for our personal, professional, and collective growth: preparation, mentorship, resilience, and sisterhood. Preparation is a lifelong commitment—it goes beyond diplomas; it builds credibility and confidence. Mentorship creates circles of trust that expand opportunities across generations. Resilience helps us turn challenges into strength. Sisterhood —our solidarity as women—fuels real change and creates spaces of support and empowerment. This spirit of courage and unity is not new—it has deep roots on this very continent. As South African women powerfully proclaimed in 1956: 'You strike a woman, you strike a rock.' Their legacy lives on in every woman who dares to challenge injustice, open doors, and rise. In every space I have served, I reiterate this to women: when one woman advances, she lights the way for many more. Let us keep walking forward—together. What are some concrete actions that individuals, communities, and governments can take to advance gender equality? Advancing gender equality requires collective action and sustained commitment at every level of society. Governments must implement policies and programs that actively promote women's participation in decision-making and leadership roles. Only through full inclusion and equal opportunities can we achieve truly meaningful and lasting progress. In the Dominican Republic, significant progress has been made. According to the Global Gender Gap Report 2025 by the World Economic Forum, the Dominican Republic climbed 21 positions, ranking 61st out of 148 countries. This reflects the impact of public policies implemented by the Dominican Government, the Ministry of Women, and other state institutions. Communities must dismantle harmful norms, challenge gender stereotypes, and foster environments that value respect, equity, and care. Local leaders, schools, and families all play a vital role. Youth and the private sector must also be engaged as key partners in innovation and culture change. Individuals —especially men—must act as allies, recognizing that gender equality benefits everyone. And women must continue to support one another, because sisterhood remains one of the most powerful forces for transformation. What does gender equality mean to you personally? From an early age, I understood that gender equality is not just a legal or institutional matter—it is about human dignity, access to opportunity, and the power to shape one's own future without barriers or bias. Gender equality means eliminating violence against women, promoting empowerment, and ensuring equal opportunities between men and women—in every field and at every level. It means building societies where women's rights are not only protected, but actively promoted, and where leadership reflects the diversity of those it serves. As Nelson Mandela once said, 'Freedom cannot be achieved unless the women have been emancipated from all forms of oppression.' That vision still guides us today. How do you think we can encourage more women to enter leadership roles? Encouraging more women to step into leadership roles requires a combination of structural change, cultural transformation, and intentional support systems. We must begin by honoring and learning from the legacy of the countless women worldwide who have paved the way through their courageous fight for human rights and equality. In the Dominican Republic, we hold close the memory of our powerful heroines—Patria, Minerva, and María Teresa Mirabal, known as 'Las Mariposas' —who stood fearlessly against dictatorship and became global symbols of resistance and justice. Their lives continue to inspire generations of women to lead with purpose and conviction. Leadership must be nurtured. That means providing education, mentorship, visibility, and real opportunities. It also means removing the systemic barriers that make women question whether they belong in positions of power. We must normalize women's leadership in every space—from government and diplomacy to science, business, and civil society—so that the next generation grows up seeing it as natural and expected. And finally, we must celebrate diverse models of leadership. When young girls see women leading with integrity, empathy, and impact, they begin to imagine themselves there too. Can you share an experience where you advocated for women's rights or empowerment? Throughout my diplomatic career, I have remained deeply committed to advancing women's rights, gender equality, and women's empowerment. These principles have consistently informed my work—especially now, here in South Africa—where I strive to create meaningful spaces for women's voices to be heard and included. One of the most transformative initiatives I've helped lead is ADIDOM ( Asociación Dominicana de Mujeres en la Diplomacia ), which I co-founded in 2021 and currently serve as Vice President. ADIDOM serves as an advocate for gender and inclusion in Dominican foreign policy, working to foster a diplomatic service that reflects true equality between women and men. Since its inception, ADIDOM has collaborated with sister networks worldwide, contributing to the formation of a Global Network of Women Diplomats . Together, we've organized conferences and dialogues on gender equality, leadership, development, and international cooperation—demonstrating the power of shared leadership and global solidarity. At ADIDOM, we continue to advocate for genuine equality, transparent and merit-based promotion, and the visibility of women's contributions to diplomacy. What are your top priorities as Ambassador to South Africa? Since my arrival in South Africa in January 2024, I've focused on laying the groundwork for a renewed and dynamic relationship, driven by shared values and South-South cooperation. Looking ahead, my top priorities include: Expanding high-level political dialogue to build strategic alliances across the African continent. Attracting investment and boosting trade in sectors such as sustainable mining, renewable energy, and tourism innovation. Strengthening educational diplomacy through academic exchanges and partnerships. Positioning the Dominican Republic as a reliable partner in the Global South. Amplifying cultural and diaspora ties, highlighting our deep African roots and creating shared spaces of cultural expression. These aren't just institutional goals—they reflect a personal commitment to building bridges between our peoples and ensuring diplomacy leads to real, inclusive progress. What specific achievements are you most proud of during your time as Ambassador? The achievements we've made align with the Dominican government's mandate to strengthen ties with South Africa. Among those I'm most proud of: Relaunching high-level political and institutional dialogue with South Africa. Promoting trade, tourism, academic cooperation, and joint work on sustainable development, gender equality, and innovation. Helping position the Dominican Republic in strategic spaces across Africa—particularly in tourism and small business development. Supporting public-private dialogue and identifying opportunities in areas such as mining, climate resilience, and education. Representing my country on this continent—rich in history, resilience, and hope—is one of the most fulfilling responsibilities of my diplomatic journey. This is just the beginning of a renewed chapter—one rooted in solidarity, shared growth, and mutual respect.
Mail & Guardian
6 hours ago
- Mail & Guardian
Lesotho aims for 10% tariff on exports to US
Thetsane industrial area in Maseru is home to many garment factories. Archive photo: Sechaba Mokhethi The Lesotho government has committed to continuing with negotiations to further reduce tariffs on its exports to the United States. This comes after the US revised its crippling 50% tariff on all Lesotho exports down to 15%, effective from 7 August. 'While we had negotiated the revision to at least 10%, which was applied to all countries, this rate [15%] will ease the burden to our exporters, particularly the textile and apparel industry,' Minister of Trade, Industry and Business Development Mokhethi Shelile told a media briefing last Friday in Maseru. The textile industry was among the hardest hit after the US announced sweeping The US had temporarily reduced the tariff to 10% for a 90-day negotiation period that ended 31 July. Shelile said during this time Lesotho had made a multi-pronged effort that included direct talks with the US embassy in Maseru, lobbyists in the US who highlighted how increased tariffs would lead to higher prices for American consumers, and a final push led by Minister of Finance Retselisitsoe Matlanyane and the Lesotho embassy in Washington DC. 'We are still committed to continuing negotiations so that our exports can enjoy the minimum tariffs that the US applies,' Shelile said. Until April, Lesotho had enjoyed duty-free and quota-free access to US markets through the African Growth and Opportunity Act. That preferential agreement helped Lesotho's textile sector grow to employ thousands of people. 'The US remains one of our main trading partners … and this relationship needs continuous nurturing,' the minister said. A new South African Development Community-US Dialogue Forum is expected to be launched at the Southern African Development Community summit in Madagascar, which runs until 18 August. This article was
