SA must trade with all, including the US – IGD

His remarks follow calls by the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) for South Africa to strengthen trade ties with other Global South nations, amid growing uncertainty in its economic relationship with the US.

Speaking during a parliamentary briefing on Wednesday before the Portfolio Committee on International Relations, Mthembu stressed that while trade diversification is essential, it should not come at the cost of longstanding relationships.

“It is in South Africa’s best interest to remain sort of non-aligned, to remain open to trading with all countries that are open, accepting South African products and services, and that includes the United States,” he said.

His comments come as President Cyril Ramaphosa prepares to meet with US President Donald Trump on Wednesday afternoon, amid continued diplomatic and trade tensions between Pretoria and Washington.

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Mthembu acknowledged that the two countries have frequently differed on foreign policy issues but noted that the relationship has always been a complex mix of cooperation and conflict. 

He clarified that the current tensions reflect shifting global dynamics more than personal animosity between the two leaders.

“There has basically been consistent push and pull dynamics of the relationship, which serves as a constant reminder that Pretoria and Washington have not always shared a relationship based on neutral trust, and this continues to be a feature,” Mthembu explained.

He urged South Africa not to interpret the Trump administration’s posture in isolation, pointing out that the US’s foreign policy shift under the “America First” agenda signals broader strategic changes.

Mthembu also addressed the United States’ absence from the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in February, cautioning against interpreting it as a boycott. Instead, he said, it should be seen as a reflection of evolving US priorities on the world stage.

He further contextualised the long-standing nature of the US-South Africa relationship, noting that the "push and pull" dynamic is not unique to Trump’s presidency.

“During the apartheid-era there was also the sort of push and pull dynamics in the relationship, I think it's important to understand the uniqueness of the Trump administration, it is important to contextualise push and pull dynamics are not only characterised by the Trump administration but by they have been actually been consistent with the democrat and the republican administrations,” he said.

According to Mthembu, South Africa should view its current strained ties with the US as part of a broader historical trend, rather than a short-term issue. He stressed that these structural tensions are likely to persist beyond the Trump administration.

President Ramaphosa has expressed optimism ahead of the upcoming meeting, stating his hope for constructive engagement and positive outcomes.

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