Cape Town – Trade union Solidariteit (Solidarity) and civil rights group AfriForum have sent a delegation to the United States in an effort to improve strained diplomatic and trade relations, amid 30% US tariffs on South African goods.
The delegation, not endorsed by the South African government, aims to advocate for South Africa’s economy and working population and has proposed a new trade framework.
The visit has drawn strong criticism from International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola, who called it divisive, anti-democratic, and a distraction from official government efforts.
“Let me state this plainly: I condemn Solidariteit’s divisive rhetoric in its totality. It is divisive, it is anti-democratic, and it has no place in our sovereign nation,” Lamola said on X.
“The Afrikaner community is a fundamental part of South Africa’s unity and diversity, one group among many that make our nation strong. They are not, and will never be, some separate, carved-out entity. We are one people under one flag.”
Let me state this plainly: I condemn Solidariteit’s divisive rhetoric in its totality. It is divisive, it is anti-democratic, and it has no place in our sovereign nation.
The Afrikaner community is a fundamental part of South Africa’s unity & diversity, one group among many that… pic.twitter.com/lcbIZXNFOo
— Minister: International Relations and Cooperation (@RonaldLamola) September 20, 2025
Lamola emphasised that the South African government represents the nation internationally and condemned attempts to “splinter” national unity.
South Africa’s diplomatic tensions with the US are partly linked to its stance on Israel and relations with countries like Iran and Russia.
Solidarity claims the government has been unresponsive to its attempts at engagement, and it believes it has better access to US officials to negotiate solutions, arguing that its efforts could help protect jobs affected by the ongoing diplomatic and trade dispute.
International Relations and Cooperation minister, Ronald Lamola, says AfriForum and Solidarity’s planned US delegation is a total distraction.
The groups say it aims to meet stakeholders to advocate for South Africa. #KayaNews pic.twitter.com/YOk2c5S7U8
— Kaya News (@KayaNews) September 21, 2025
Solidarity on Sunday unveiled a proposed trade framework aimed at shaping future economic ties between South Africa and the United States, IOL reported.
According to the organisation’s chief executive, Dr Dirk Hermann, the plan draws on talks with US officials and on an executive order signed by President Donald Trump. He said the framework was sent to both President Cyril Ramaphosa and President Trump on 1 August. While Ramaphosa has only acknowledged receipt, Trump has agreed to discussions at various levels, the report said.
Solidarity’s head of international liaison, Jaco Kleynhans, argued that Pretoria’s access to Washington is “very limited” and urged government to work with the union.
“We probably have better access, and we understand very well what the Americans want. We are not the enemy; we want to find solutions for the country. The dispute with the government is costing our members their jobs,” he said.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
