John Steenhuisen’s plan to help SA ease the impact of Trump’s tariff

Democratic Alliance (DA) leader John Steenhuisen warned that President Donald Trump’s 30% tariff would have devastating consequences but insisted there are ways to soften the impact.

He urged the African National Congress (ANC) to recognise the urgent need for economic reforms to help absorb the shock of potential job losses caused by the tariffs. Steenhuisen warned that South Africa could lose billions of rands in export revenue, which would cripple key sectors of the economy.

He also criticised the ANC’s foreign policy, claiming the party continues to align with countries and policies that the United States sees as hostile to its interests.

HERE’S WHAT STEENHUISEN SAYS NEEDS TO BE CHANGED

Steenhuisen, who also serves as South Africa’s minister of agriculture, urged the country to eliminate obstacles that prevent private sector involvement in electricity generation and transmission. He also pushed for improved efficiency at ports, more private sector participation in freight rail, and changes to the Expropriation Act.

He further argued that the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE) Act should be reviewed to shift its focus from race-based criteria to prioritising poverty alleviation. In addition, he called for urgent interventions in failing municipalities to improve service delivery.

The DA leader further urged President Cyril Ramaphosa to take decisive action against corruption across all levels of government.

STRENGTHENING TRADE RELATIONS IS A PRIORITY

The minister of agriculture said he remains committed to expanding market access for South African products.

He warned that the United States’ decision could mark the end of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). The act currently allows South Africa to export over 6,000 products, ranging from automotive and agricultural goods to textiles, duty-free to the US market.