By Lesedi Sibiya-Diplomatic Insider 

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have expressed to the government that they should reject the extension of the African Growth and Opportunity Act, which enables Sub-Saharan countries duty-free access to the US market for African goods. 

The reason EFF have called for this extension is due to the fact that the party feels that the programme is put in place to serve the interests of the American economy and geopolitical interests and neglects the urgency for African development.

 The US House of Representatives have approved the extension of the programme valid for the next three years. US officials have framed the legislation as a tool for economic development however the EFF believe that it hinders African Industrialisation, as well as promoting low-value exports, and has not delivered any form of impactful economic development for Africa.

 “AGOA has always been conditional, designed to bind African economies to US foreign policy objectives…Renewing it serves Washington’s strategic interests, not those of African people.” the EFF said in a statement. 

The EFF have also highlighted that this is just another case of US economic coercion, as they highlighted America’s constant retaliation against South Africa for their refusal to comply with American interests such as; standing in solidarity with the Palestinian people and for harbouring relations with Iran and Russia.

 “South Africa should pursue trade agreements that prioritise intra-African cooperation rather than conditional arrangements that leverage our markets for external political gain” the party further said in a statement. 

The South African government however, have welcomed the three year extension as the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau, has highlighted that the extension signifies a sense of relief to companies in regards to the tariff hikes served by the United States and ensures that South African and American businesses can operate within the benefits of the programme. 

The EFF also highlighted that due to the current geopolitical climate, consorting with the United States at an equal footing is not something South African should do at this time, and have warned that this will hinder the ability for South Africa to be self-governed.