NATIONAL NEWS - South Africa remains committed to strengthening its relationship with the United States through mutually beneficial trade, investment and cooperation, International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola said during a discussion in New York.
Lamola was speaking at an on-the-record discussion hosted by the Council on Foreign Relations on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly.
The wide-ranging discussion covered South Africa-US relations, trade, critical minerals, the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), the G20, BRICS and reform of the United Nations Security Council.
The engagement comes amid disagreements between South Africa and the United States over aspects of South Africa's domestic legislation and foreign policy positions.
Lamola defends South Africa’s constitutional democracy
Lamola described South Africa as a constitutional democracy with functioning institutions and said the country remained committed to building a united society.
He emphasised that the Constitution was founded on the principle of unity in diversity and said South Africa had worked to preserve this principle.
Responding to allegations concerning the treatment of white South Africans, Lamola rejected claims of genocide against Afrikaners, saying such allegations were not supported by evidence.
He also stressed that the United States remains an important strategic partner for South Africa, pointing to the presence of American companies operating in South Africa and elsewhere on the continent.
Trade and critical minerals offer opportunities
Lamola identified trade, investment and the beneficiation of critical minerals as important areas for strengthening bilateral economic relations.
According to US government data cited during the discussion, South Africa is the United States' largest trading partner in Africa, while hundreds of American companies operate in the country.
Lamola said American businesses had continued operating in South Africa despite concerns raised about legislation such as Black Economic Empowerment (BEE).
He said South Africa was seeking deeper cooperation with the US around critical minerals, arguing that the country's mineral resources and existing industrial base could create opportunities for both countries.
South Africa has significant deposits of minerals including platinum, rhodium and palladium, among others.
Lamola said any agreements should be fair, transparent and consistent with South Africa's constitutional framework.
AGOA remains important to South Africa
Lamola welcomed the US Congress passing legislation to extend the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), while noting that uncertainty remains until the process is completed.
AGOA provides eligible sub-Saharan African countries with preferential access to the US market. Under the extension referred to by Lamola, its duty-free trade benefits continue through 31 December 2026, following the programme's expiration in September 2025.
Lamola said South Africa regarded AGOA as an important programme and welcomed continued cooperation around trade and beneficiation.
He also highlighted the importance of local manufacturing and value addition in ensuring that trade contributes to job creation and broader economic benefits.
South Africa seeks stronger African voice in global forums
Lamola said South Africa's approach to international economic diplomacy includes efforts to strengthen Africa's collective negotiating position.
He pointed to South Africa's 2025 G20 Presidency, during which Pretoria sought to ensure that African priorities were reflected in the group's work.
Several major African economies, including Nigeria, Algeria, Egypt, Ethiopia and Angola, were invited to participate in South Africa's G20 engagements.
Lamola said critical minerals, artificial intelligence and climate finance were among the areas where South Africa sought to advance African and Global South interests.
South Africa remains ready to participate in G20
Lamola also addressed South Africa's participation in the next G20 process.
He said South Africa considers itself a founding member of the G20 and remains ready to participate if invited.
At the same time, he said Pretoria would not seek to attend without an invitation and would not encourage a boycott.
The question of South Africa's participation, he said, ultimately rests with other G20 members.
BRICS viewed as platform for the Global South
On BRICS, Lamola said South Africa regarded the grouping as an important platform for the Global South rather than one focused solely on South African interests.
He said South Africa supported greater African participation in BRICS and pointed to its support for Egypt, Ethiopia and Nigeria joining the grouping.
Lamola said broader African participation could strengthen the continent's collective voice on issues affecting the Global South, including reform of the UN Security Council.
South Africa backs multilateralism and UN reform
Lamola also defended the role of multilateral institutions, including the United Nations, while acknowledging the need for reform.
He said the UN remained important in resolving global disputes and argued that shortcomings in the system should be addressed through reform rather than by abandoning multilateral institutions.
He pointed to the Pact of the Future as a framework for reform, including changes aimed at strengthening the relevance of the UN Security Council.
Lamola also highlighted South Africa's contribution to African peace efforts and welcomed moves by the UN to provide financing and reimbursement for African-led peace operations.
Continued engagement with the United States
The New York discussion placed South Africa's relationship with the United States within the broader context of its approach to multilateralism, African integration and Global South cooperation.
Lamola said South Africa would continue engaging with the United States while maintaining its non-aligned foreign policy and advocating for reforms to global institutions.
For Pretoria, he said, the focus remains on using South Africa's economic position, relationships across the Global South and role in multilateral institutions to advance cooperation while protecting the country's national interests. – SAnews.gov.za
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