Solidariteit Movement calls on US to retain SA’s AGOA participation

The Solidarity Movement has intensified its campaign to ensure that the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) is passed by the US Senate as soon as possible, and that the White House does not exclude South Africa from the group of countries benefiting from it.

According to Flip Buys, chairperson of the Solidarity Movement, the organisation today submitted letters to Pres. Donald Trump, Pres. Cyril Ramaphosa and the US Senate majority leader John Thune to reaffirm the importance of AGOA, the reasons why South Africa should remain included in it, and to make an urgent plea that the diplomatic dispute between the two countries should not stand in the way of AGOA.

The three letters emphasise the Solidarity Movement’s commitment to protecting the livelihoods of South African workers and industries amid ongoing diplomatic tensions between the United States and South Africa. According to Buys, the movement is still convinced that the diplomatic dispute can be resolved without South Africa being kicked out of AGOA.

“AGOA is a lifeline for the economy and workers who should not be penalised because of the South African government’s domestic and foreign policies – policies the US government views as reckless and even hostile,” Buys said. “We firmly believe the diplomatic crisis can be resolved through targeted negotiations and bilateral channels, rather than through broad trade restrictions that harm ordinary businesses and employees.”

In the letter to Pres. Ramaphosa Buys calls for prioritising non-alignment in foreign affairs and upholding constitutional protection of property and cultural freedom.

“I urge you to consider measured political concessions, such as reaffirming commitments to property rights, making more efforts to fight all crime including farm attacks, and clarifying foreign policy in a more nuanced manner, returning to genuine non-alignment”.

According to Buys, these steps can unlock continued AGOA access, safeguard jobs in export-dependent sectors and enhance South Africa’s global competitiveness, ultimately benefitting workers, businesses and the economy at large.

In his letter to Pres. Trump, Buys makes an appeal not to lose sight of the importance of AGOA within the African context.

“Geopolitically, preserving AGOA, including South Africa’s participation, is essential for America’s interests in Africa. As you have emphasized, AGOA is a powerful tool to promote free-market principles, secure access to critical minerals (where South Africa plays a key role), and foster stable, prosperous partners on a content set to represent a quarter of the global population by mid-century. AGOA has also contributed positively to perceptions to the US in Africa over the past two decades”.

Writing to Thune, Buys asked that the Senate prioritise the approval of the AGOA Extension Act.

“It (AGOA) aligns with America’s goals of fostering free-market economies, securing supply chains, and advancing shared values of human rights and the rule of law. The Solidarity Movement is unwavering in its commitment to fostering a positive and enduring relationship between the United States and South Africa. We believe that renewed economic cooperation through AGOA will strengthen these bonds, benefiting both nations’ citizens and contributing to a more prosperous, secure world”.

The Solidarity Movement is planning several actions to promote the passing of AGOA, and South Africa’s inclusion in it. This includes making available to members of the US Congress and to Pres. Trump’s advisors datasets on the historical benefits created by AGOA, as well as further discussions with the South African government to resolve the diplomatic dispute between the two countries.

Please find the letter to Pres. Ramaphosa here, the letter to Pres. Trump here, and the letter to the US Senate majority leader John Thune here.