Kendra de Beer is a rising force in South African judo
A two-time South African national champion who has earned her Protea colours, Kendra says successfully defending her African Cup title was particularly meaningful .
The United States has extended the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) until 2028, providing South African exporters with greater assurance of access to the US market. This extension follows a period of uncertainty regarding the program's future, which previously permitted eligible African nations to sell specific goods to the United States duty-free.
US President Donald Trump reportedly signed the legislation into law on Wednesday, with the US House of Representatives approving the extension by 370 votes to 48 on Tuesday. The Senate had already endorsed the extension in August. AGOA is a US trade initiative established in 2000 to foster trade and investment between the US and African countries.
The program had initially expired in September 2025 but was later extended until the end of 2026. The extension comes amid ongoing tensions between South Africa and the US, with disagreements over South Africa's foreign policy, including its relationships with Russia, China, and Iran. South Africa has also initiated legal proceedings against Israel at the International Court of Justice over its actions in Gaza, further exacerbating relations with Washington.
There have been calls in the US to remove South Africa from AGOA, with some lawmakers proposing bills to exclude South Africa from the program and to review its ties with South Africa.
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