President Ramaphosa faces growing pressure from Solidarity to abandon ANC ideology and restore US ties, with hopes pinned on economic reform and renewed investor confidence during his upcoming meeting.
Image: GCIS
Ahead of the meeting between US President Donald Trump and President Cyril Ramaphosa on Wednesday, Solidarity has called on the South African government, specifically Ramaphosa, to take decisive steps to restore diplomatic relations with the United States."
The lobby group says a change in domestic and foreign policy is essential not only to meet American expectations but also to revive economic growth and job creation in South Africa.
According to Solidarity, the government must implement the necessary policy changes to make the country more investment-friendly and, in the process, restore diplomatic relations with America.
''President Ramaphosa indicated yesterday that he intends to focus on trade and economic matters during his meeting with US President Donald Trump. However, Solidarity argues that this will not be possible if political disputes over South Africa’s domestic and foreign policy are not addressed,'' said the lobby group .
According to Solidarity, current government policies, particularly those it sees as ideologically driven by the ANC, are harming investor confidence and costing jobs.
“Ordinary working people want to see economic growth, job security, and job creation. Our members are looking for work and are not interested in the ideological games of the ANC and the government.
''We call on President Ramaphosa to act as a statesman and place the country above ANC ideology,” said Dr Dirk Hermann, Solidarity Chief Executive.
The union insists that Ramaphosa must use his upcoming meeting with US President Donald Trump to prioritise trade and economic engagement.
However, Solidarity argues that this can only happen if ongoing political tensions, driven by South Africa’s current domestic and foreign policies, are resolved.
In a joint effort with the broader Solidarity Movement, including AfriForum, the union says the South African government must offer the US a new trade deal with favourable tariffs, commit to phasing out racial laws, particularly exempting international companies from such regulations, protect property rights, and prioritise tackling crime.
Solidarity is also demanding a complete rethink of South Africa’s foreign policy in favour of diplomatic non-alignment and a stronger commitment to minority rights.
“We are convinced that these points can lead to a restoration of relations between the South African government and the US. This can protect jobs in South Africa and stimulate billions of rands in new investments, which will lead to growth and job creation.
''However, no economic agreement will be possible without first reaching a political agreement with the Trump administration," Hermann said.
Hermann noted that it has shared these demands with members of the Government of National Unity and is actively engaging with the Trump administration to advance its position.
hope.ntanzi@iol.co.za
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