President Cyril Ramaphosa may be attempting a delicate diplomatic move. Recent signals suggest the ANC is open to compromise—even making concessions—not with the U.S., but with its alliance partner, the South African Communist Party (SACP).
Speaking at the SACP’s national congress this week, Ramaphosa struck a conciliatory tone. He emphasized the SACP’s autonomy and acknowledged that its members within the ANC were “full members of our movement.” However, he also reminded them that rights come with responsibilities.
This internal political maneuvering reveals where Ramaphosa and the ANC’s priorities lie during a national crisis. Instead of focusing on urgent economic threats, such as the newly imposed 30% U.S. tariffs, the leadership is preoccupied with alliance politics.
Ramaphosa did make an effort by calling U.S. President Donald Trump on the day the tariffs took effect. But hopes for a sudden shift in Trump’s stance are unrealistic. Last week, Trump dismissed the idea of attending the G20 summit in Johannesburg, criticizing South Africa’s policies as “very bad.”
The U.S. has been clear about its demands for months, communicated both privately and publicly. Washington is not asking for radical changes but reasonable adjustments:
B-BBEE – Amend the policy to exempt U.S. companies from mandatory ownership transfers, allowing alternative contributions to economic development.
Expropriation Act – Clarify that expropriation without compensation will not happen.
“Kill the Boer” chant – The ANC must clearly condemn this rhetoric, which Ramaphosa has avoided doing.
Farm attacks – Classify these as priority crimes without politicizing the issue.
These requests are measured, yet the ANC has resisted, clinging to outdated ideological battles. The party seems willing to sacrifice jobs, trade, and international relations to maintain its revolutionary self-image rather than admit governance failures.
For South Africa’s future—and the ANC’s own survival—Ramaphosa would do better to negotiate with the U.S. rather than appease the SACP. Meanwhile, the DA, tied to the ANC in government, must decide whether to hold the party accountable or let another opportunity for reform slip away.