By Lesedi Sibiya-Diplomatic Insider

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, addressed the National Assembly on Tuesday in Cape Town  to answer questions regarding the recent tariff increases set by the United States government. 

The President was set to answer oral questions presented by the members of the National Assembly in regards to the 30% Tariff hike imposed by the United States President Donald Trump and his administration as well as answer questions about the National Dialogue which took place in August.

 EFF leader Julius Malema, started the round of questions by asking the President about the tariff impositions and where that places South Africa in regards to trading with the United States. 

“The government is therefore in continued engagement with the United States to secure a mutually-beneficial trade and investment deal,” said Ramaphosa in response to Malema’s question regarding where SA stands with the US on trading. 

“In addition to the proposal put to the United States, the cabinet has also endorsed our own country’s economic response package,” added Ramaphosa.

 “Governmen has decided that in response to the US position on tariffs, South Africa should take this as an opportunity to diversify our export markets for increased resilience and facilitate the entry into alternative markets for affected exporters,” said President Ramaphosa. 

Democratic Alliance (DA) representative George Michalakis, asked President Ramaphosa on the outcomes of the National Dialogue, which the DA opted not to attend.

 “The National Dialogue should be seen as a structured process where citizens, political actors, civil society and stakeholders come together to deliberate on the future of their country,” said Ramaphosa in response.

 “Over the next few months, South Africans from across the length and breadth of the country will be engaging in conversations on the issues that most deeply concern them,” he added. “Over the last three weeks, organisations involved in the 32 identified sectors have been meeting to nominate their representatives to the Steering Committee…these nominations will now be compiled by the Eminent Persons Group to ensure inclusivity and representivity before the Steering committee is constituted. 

The President was also asked about the preparations of the upcoming G20 summit.

 “These meetings addressed some of the most urgent and significant challenges facing the global community, demonstrating our firm commitment to finding sustainable and innovative solutions through dialogue, collaboration and cooperation,” said Ramaphosa. 

Ramaphosa made mention that South Africa will also aim to present a Leaders Declaration to promote the development agenda of the global south.

 “South Africa aims to produce an ambitious Leaders’ Declaration that will promote the development agenda of the Global South in general and the African continent in particular.” 

Mrs Chauke-Adonis of the African National Congress (ANC) inquired about the Gender-Based Violence and Femicide Act of 2024 which aims to establish the National Council on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide.

 “Every government department and entity is expected to contribute to the implementation of the National Strategic Plan within its mandate, while the National Council provides leadership and oversight.” Said Ramaphosa. “The Council is planned for establishment from 1 April 2026, following due process,” explained Ramaphosa.