Navigating SA's economic challenges amidst global turbulence - Cosatu

The announcement of a possible 30% tariff duty, including a 25% tariff on car exports and a 10% 90-day interim tariff on South African exports to the US, is not a matter to be taken lightly. No exporter can sustain such tariff hikes.

- ZINGISWA LOSI

Whilst we welcome the pause in tariff increases to a lower 10% rate, even this would make it nearly impossible for agricultural or car exports to remain competitive in the US market.

It should be borne in mind that these sectors are major sources of employment, with over one million jobs in agriculture and 300000 in motor manufacturing. With state revenue critical to funding frontline public services under severe pressure, we also cannot afford to lose the valuable taxes these sectors generate.

It is natural to despair in the midst of a crisis, especially given the plethora of noise - often destructive - on social media.

What is needed is for the government, working with Organised Labour and Business, to continue navigating these choppy waters calmly and strategically, guided by our national interests, particularly in protecting and creating decent jobs and safeguarding our sovereign choices.

It is clear that there is a need for engagements at the highest levels of government between South Africa and the US to address the various geopolitical tensions that have hindered relations between the two governments, many of which are not new but have been gathering over time.