The implementation of a 30% tariff on South African goods by the United States has reignited tensions between the African National Congress (ANC) and the Democratic Alliance (DA), the two largest partners in the Government of National Unity (GNU).
The tariff, which came into effect this week, is expected to heavily impact South Africa’s automotive and agricultural sectors, with fears that up to 100,000 jobs could be at risk. The DA has accused the ANC of foreign policy failures and incompetence, while the ANC has pushed back, suggesting the DA must accept its role as a junior partner in the GNU.
DA Blames ANC for Trade Crisis
Dr. Mark Burke, the DA’s national spokesperson for finance and economy, did not mince words in an interview, attributing the crisis to the ANC’s mishandling of diplomatic relations with the US.
“The previous ambassador made himself guilty of rank incompetence,” Burke said, referring to controversial statements made by South Africa’s former envoy to the US. He also criticized the ANC for failing to secure a visa for a trade envoy, calling it a “concealment of subterfuge” that worsened trade relations.
Burke warned that industries such as automotive manufacturing and agriculture—particularly ostrich exports from his Oudtshoorn constituency—face severe losses. “People are crying out for solutions,” he said.
ANC-DA Rift Widens
The tariff dispute has exposed deeper fractures in the GNU, with ANC leaders accusing the DA of overstepping. Earlier, ANC representative Mzwanele Masina suggested the DA must “accept that we are resetting the pattern” in the GNU, implying the ANC remains the dominant force.
Burke dismissed Masina’s remarks as “ridiculous idiocy” and “petty misdirection,” emphasizing that South Africans care more about economic stability than political infighting. However, he acknowledged that despite the ANC’s failures, the DA remains committed to finding solutions to protect jobs and trade.
Looking Ahead
While the DA seeks to hold the ANC accountable in future elections, Burke stressed the need for immediate action to mitigate the tariff’s impact. He called for diversifying trade markets, including expanding agricultural exports to Southeast Asia and China.
“We have to climb this mountain in front of us,” Burke said, urging cooperation despite the political friction.
As tensions simmer, the question remains whether the GNU can present a united front to address the economic fallout—or if the tariff crisis will further destabilize the fragile coalition.