Johannesburg voters turn out at Hyde Park as Ramaphosa prepares to vote

President Cyril Ramaphosa voted in Johannesburg's municipal elections at Hyde Park High School on Wednesday, while reflecting on the United States' decision to exclude South Africa from the African Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa) trade program. Ramaphosa acknowledged that the exclusion was a setback for South Africa, but expressed optimism that the Democrats' projected control of Congress could usher in a new era in global relations.

The US administration announced that South Africa would lose duty-free access to the US market under Agoa from January 1, 2027, citing concerns over trade barriers, corruption, and alleged threats to national security. South Africa's Agoa exports were valued at $1.7 billion in 2025, down from $4 billion in 2024. The decision follows months of tension between Pretoria and Washington over various issues, including land reform, Israel's genocide case, and claims of white South Africans being persecuted by the Trump administration.

Ramaphosa emphasized that South Africa remains a sovereign nation and is willing to engage in bilateral talks to address geopolitical, trade, and investment matters. The ANC leader also addressed the challenges faced by the party as it prepares for local government elections, where they aim to regain control after losing their national majority in 2024.