Speaking at the Financial Times Africa Summit this week, South Africa’s foreign minister, Ronald Lamola, said Pretoria had made it clear to Washington that questions about its empowerment laws, land redistribution, and what he described as: “false narratives” about violence in South Africa should not influence talks over market access or tariff relief.

His comments come as the two countries continue discussions following a 30% tariff the United States (US) imposed on most South African exports in August. Lamola warned that the measure threatens jobs in key sectors such as automotive manufacturing and agriculture, but said overall dialogue with Washington remains constructive.

He insisted that South Africa would not compromise on its constitutional and legal processes to please a trading partner, saying disputes over domestic policy should be handled by Parliament and the courts, not by foreign governments.

Lamola added that Pretoria wants a rules-based outcome focused on trade, investment, and prices rather than ideology, and expressed optimism that the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) could still be renewed. Despite recent tensions, he said there remains goodwill on both sides and that South Africa is determined to protect its sovereignty while maintaining strong economic ties with the US.

However, Washington insiders have disputed Lamola’s accusations. Senior policy sources in the US argue that South Africa will remain a doubtful investment proposition while growth stays weak and unemployment very high. They say that to unlock large pools of American capital, Pretoria must address the real risks that empowerment rules and the Expropriation Act pose to US firms considering long-term commitments in the country.

The officials added that South Africa’s foreign policy continues to concern Washington, particularly where it is perceived to undermine US national security interests and those of its allies. Until those concerns are addressed, alongside domestic reforms that boost growth, clarify property rights, and simplify empowerment compliance, they say investor confidence will remain fragile.

South Africaremains one of very few countries in the 30% tariff band. Its negotiators in Washington are said to have missed opportunity after opportunity to strike a tariff deal with their American counterparts whilst being hostile to the idea of a much broader investment pact. The behaviour in Washington mirrors that at home where the South African government has time and again missed opportunities to drive reforms that would raise economic growth and investment rates whilst often blaming investors and the business community for the consequences.