By Lesedi Sibiya-Diplomatic Insider
Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola spoke at the Financial Times Africa Summit in London on Tuesday as he addressed some complexities in trade and as well as the role that South Africa plays in the global market.
The Financial Times Africa Summit was hosted by journalist of the Financial Times David Pilling. The event included outcomes from a recent Oval Office meeting which discussed various uncertainties and misconceptions surrounding South Africa.
However, Lamola clarified that despite these concerns, South Africa is still working to strengthen and foster a working relationship with the United States. “We continue to view the US as a strategic partner to our economy,” said Ronald Lamola.
“We are very much looking forward to the outcomes that will speak to the global South,” added Lamola. Lamola has emphasised that although South Africa is committed to fostering good relations with the United States, that South Africa will not compromise on its values in order to do so.
Washington had called for South Africa to review its policies surrounding Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) as well as land expropriation, this call follows a misinformation campaign that was led by United States President Donald Trump falsely claiming that a genocide was taking place in South Africa againsts Afrikaner farmers.
Lamola expressed that the talks between South Africa and the United States should only be limited to economic matters instead of policy changes or amendments.
“Yes, that’s our view because we have got sufficient safeguards. If parliament was not enough, there’s a court. The Expropriation Bill is in the Constitutional Court, which is very independent,” said Lamola.
“They are insisting they should reopen but sometimes some of it is based on a clear misunderstanding, but sometimes it’s a clear understanding-it’s just ideological issues,” said Lamola.
South Africa has been subjected to paying 30% tariff duties, as they have been trying to negotiate with the United States to lower these duties for majority of the year