He said that the country’s economic interests must take precedence over political discomfort.

Speaking to the media on Friday, Ramaphosa acknowledged that some groups in SA may prefer to distance the country from Washington. However, he stressed that the US remains a critical economic partner and a major market for SA exports.

“There could well be a view that we should not engage with the US, but the US is an important market,” Ramaphosa said. “We want to engage more with their businesses. Governments facilitate engagement at the trade and economic level, so we want to continue trading with the businesses and people of the US.”

He emphasised that SA goods exported to the US ultimately reach consumers rather than political leaders, underscoring the importance of sustaining trade ties that support local industries and jobs.

“The products we export to that country do not end up in the White House; they end up in the hands of consumers in the United States. That is our great interest,” Ramaphosa noted.

Ramaphosa said political disagreements with Washington would continue to be managed diplomatically, but should not derail SA’s broader economic strategy. He added that governments sometimes need to engage even with those who may be perceived as unfriendly.

“Sometimes you have to talk to people who may not be very friendly to you in order to advance the interests of your own people,” he said. “Sometimes you have to do what others might find unpalatable, but I am prepared to do it to advance the interests of South Africans.”

Ramaphosa’s comments come as SA prepares to host the G20 Summit next week, where global economic recovery, geopolitical tensions and development financing are expected to dominate discussions.

–CHannelAfrica–