Godongwana: Dealing with the US is 'a challenge'
Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana has described diplomatic and economic engagement with the United States as "a challenge” following President Cyril Ramaphosa’s high-stakes visit to the White House.
The meeting was aimed at repairing strained ties between the two countries.
Speaking at a high-level Budget Roundtable on Thursday, Godongwana underlined the broader financial and geopolitical pressures at play, citing the meeting’s importance in shaping global market perceptions of South Africa.
"Dealing with the Americans is a challenge because if you disagree with the Americans, life becomes difficult in dealing with anybody. No one wants to touch you, which is a fundamental problem," said the minister. "The significance of that meeting is not only between us and the Americans, it's the implications of market sentiment across the globe for South Africa."
President Ramaphosa’s working visit to Washington came amid growing concern over South Africa’s sluggish economic performance, diplomatic missteps, and uncertainty among international investors.
The minister’s comments also addressed growing domestic pressure.
Over the past three weeks, opposition parties – including the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party – have called for his resignation, accusing him of mishandling the budget and pushing what they label as “neoliberal dogma.”
The MK Party went as far as tabling a motion of no confidence in Parliament, blaming Godongwana for alleged fiscal mismanagement amid deepening inequality and unemployment.
But Godongwana hit back, framing the controversial Budget 3.0 as a test of leadership under duress.
"Everybody is trying to draw lessons. We, ourselves, have got to draw lessons because we're not used to having an irritation of talking to other people when we do things," he said.
"That context is important to understand what we're grappling with and how we're beginning to manage it."
He also defended his decision to stay in office despite the backlash.
"The problem is, if I resign having handled this budget, which is the most difficult one, next year, whoever takes over from me will have a nice period and he becomes a star," he added.
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