'Afrikaner' plan to save US deal

LEADERS: FOCUS TALKS ON SUPPLYING MINERALS

- Eric Mthobeli Naki

If three influential Afrikaner leaders have their way, the envisaged tariff agreement between South Africa and the US, currently under negotiation, will be centred on minerals that SA must supply to America to smooth their frosty relations.

Corné Mulder of Freedom Front Plus, along with businessmen André Pienaar and Chris Opperman, believe a "spectacular reset of the relations between SA and the US is possible" and this is a great opportunity the country should not miss to improve its trade with the US, grow the economy and create much-needed jobs for the country.

They put their hopes on SA availing its abundant mineral resources to form the basis of the US' strategic technological requirements.

The trio were in Washington last week to lobby influential American organisations and individuals with their idea.

Their visits to the US came amid a series of meetings between SA government representatives led by Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition Parks Tau.