COSATU Welcomes President Ramaphosa’s U.S. Diplomatic Mission, Calls for Economic Renewal and Unity
Date: 23 May 2025
JOHANNESBURG – The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) has welcomed the outcomes of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s recent diplomatic mission to the United States, hailing the visit as a significant step toward stabilizing strained bilateral relations and advancing South Africa’s economic interests.
In a strongly worded statement, COSATU praised the delegation—which included four Cabinet Ministers, business leaders, labour representatives, and COSATU President Zingiswa Losi—for conducting themselves with “dignity” and making the nation proud on the international stage.
“South Africa’s workers have a vested interest in a respectful and productive relationship with the United States,” said COSATU, emphasizing the role of more than 600 U.S. companies operating in South Africa and over 500,000 jobs linked to exports to the U.S.
Amid ongoing global tensions and domestic economic hardships, the Federation underscored the importance of maintaining favourable trade agreements, such as the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), warning that new U.S. tariffs could threaten jobs in key sectors like agriculture and manufacturing.
COSATU commended the delegation for not only promoting trade and investment, but also tackling misinformation—specifically debunking claims of a so-called “White genocide” in South Africa.
“South Africa faces many challenges, but genocide and persecution are not among them,” the statement read. “Crime affects all communities, especially the most marginalized—African, Coloured and women in particular.”
The Federation called on both the South African and U.S. governments to act swiftly in crafting a “mutually beneficial reset package” to enhance collaboration in trade, investment, and tourism.
Highlighting South Africa’s internal battles, COSATU warned that solving issues like violent crime and economic stagnation requires a united national effort. They called for more resources for law enforcement and prosecution services, alongside citizen involvement in fostering a culture of zero tolerance for criminality.
Importantly, COSATU used the moment to reflect on deeper societal issues.
“2025 has exposed the ugly underbelly of racism we assumed had vanished in 1994,” the union said. “We must recommit to the ideals of the Freedom Charter—a South Africa that belongs to all who live in it, Black and White.”
The message concluded with a stark reminder that while international cooperation is vital, South Africa’s ultimate success depends on its own ability to tackle inequality, unemployment, and crime from within.
“Only South Africans can put our house in order—and we must.”
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