Parliament, Wednesday, 5 February 2025 – The Select Committee on Economic Development and Trade Chairperson, Ms Sonja Boshoff, has expressed deep concern over ongoing negative speculation regarding South Africa’s future participation in the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).
Given the significant economic implications, she has emphasised the urgency of clear and consistent government communication on the matter.
The committee was scheduled to receive a detailed briefing on AGOA from Minister Parks Tau. However, the meeting coincided with a special Cabinet meeting, and the committee received a late apology from the minister.
Ms Boshoff noted that while Cabinet commitments are understood, the sensitivity of the AGOA discussions warranted a political principal’s presence. Despite the availability of two deputy ministers in the Department of Trade, Industry, and Competition, no representative was deployed to engage with the committee.
Further compounding concerns, Minister Tau was expected to engage with Ms Boshoff directly on Tuesday regarding AGOA but failed to do so. The lack of communication and political leadership at the scheduled meeting raised frustration within the committee, which collectively agreed that no departmental official could adequately address the pertinent political and strategic implications of South Africa’s AGOA status.
Many South African companies stand to be affected should our participation in AGOA cease.
“The committee has noted with concern that the risk of exclusion has been on the horizon for some time, with some American lawmakers explicitly calling for South Africa’s removal. Constituencies are deeply worried about the potential impact. As public representatives, we have a duty to ensure that we are regularly and comprehensively briefed on such critical matters,” Ms Boshoff said.
The committee has resolved to reschedule the briefing for 18 February, with compulsory attendance required from Minister Tau. Additionally, the committee will formally communicate its dissatisfaction to the minister’s office before the end of business today.
In the context of the Government of National Unity, the committee urges all stakeholders to respect parliamentary oversight processes and ensure that elected representatives are equipped with the necessary information to effectively address public and economic concerns.
AGOA is a duty-free arrangement for sub-Saharan African countries to the US markets. Several projects are supplied through this platform, and South Africa is the major beneficiary.
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE SELECT COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND TRADE, MS SONJA BOSHOFF.
For media inquiries or interviews with the Chairperson, please contact the committee’s Media Officer:
Name: Mr Sibongile Maputi
Cell: 081 052 6060
Email: smaputi@parliament.gov.za
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