US–SA relations in the deep freeze
US–SA relations in the deep freeze
JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA
THE African National Congress (ANC), which controls the Government of National Unity (GNU), shows no willingness to recalibrate its domestic or foreign policy to foster a functional relationship…
Against Trump’s tariffs
JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA
THIS past week, US President Donald Trump announced new tariffs on dozens of countries including South Africa. 30% is the new tariff rate on South African goods exported…
Reflections on the G20 Summit
JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA
I had hoped that this year’s G20 Summit, scheduled to be held in Johannesburg this November, would offer South Africa another opportunity to shine as a developing nation…
We need more Mkhwanazis
JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA
AS our nation grapples with a myriad of socioeconomic challenges, it’s easy to feel disheartened as communities. The sense of hopelessness often stems from political leaders who betray…
Israel vs. Iran: Military Strikes, Retaliation, and Economic Uncertainty
JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA
IN the early hours of last Friday morning, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) launched Operation Rising Lion, a military offensive aimed at dismantling Iran’s military and nuclear infrastructure.…
Trump is right to confront China on trade
JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA
EVERY observer of South African politics knows that the African National Congress (ANC) admires China. The party admires China’s system of governance under the Communist Party. If the…
Ramaphosa is feeling the Trump pressure
JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA
THE Ramaphosa-Trump meeting at the White House this past week produced no substantive outcomes on trade agreements or efforts to resolve tensions between the U.S. and South Africa.…
Reflections on IMF’s latest World Economic Outlook Report and Trump’s tariffs
JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA
IN its latest World Economic Outlook Report released this past week, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) cut its global economic growth forecast to 2.8% for year 2025, down…
The economics and politics of the VAT hike
JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA
FINANCE Minister Enoch Godongwana has stated that he sees no alternative to the upcoming Value Added Tax (VAT) hike. He argued in court papers filed last Wednesday that…
The GNU is no solution
SAN FRANCISCO, UNITED STATES
I writing this column from San Francisco, California, where I’ve been since April 2. What a remarkable and beautiful country the United States is! Everyone here seems…