Ramaphosa says South Africa will pursue US trade deal after AGOA removal

President Cyril Ramaphosa says South Africa will seek to strengthen its trade relations with the United States through a bilateral trade agreement following the country's removal from the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).

Ramaphosa was speaking to members of the media in Hyde Park, Joburg, after casting his ballot in the 2026 local government elections, where he said South Africa's trade relations with the US went beyond AGOA and would continue despite the country's exclusion from the trade programme.

He said South Africa had already started diversifying its trade relations and that several local companies were doing business with other countries.

"Our trade relations with the United States don't only revolve around AGOA. We also have trade dealings with the United States on a variety of products, which are outside AGOA," he said.

Ramaphosa said South Africa wanted to improve these relations through bilateral engagements and a trade agreement that would be negotiated between the two countries.

He also indicated that South Africa had not closed the door on being readmitted to AGOA, saying other countries that had previously been excluded had been readmitted.

"Even in the communications from the US, they've left a window or a door open to say that if they perceive that things have changed, there may be a readmission," he said.

The US has given South Africa 60 days' notice of its intention to withdraw the country's AGOA benefits from January 1, 2027.

Ramaphosa also described compulsory voting as a tempting idea, saying the government would study how other countries had implemented it.

He said every eligible South African had a responsibility to participate in determining the country's future, referring to the Freedom Charter's principle that "the people shall govern".

"If you were to ask me, actually I would love it," he said.

On service delivery, Ramaphosa acknowledged residents' frustrations over refuse removal and water shortages, particularly in Johannesburg.

He said municipal workers had been on strike over labour-related demands but confirmed that the strike had been resolved.

He credited the deputy mayor and Joburg ANC regional chairperson Loyiso Masuku, who was present during the media briefing, for playing a leading role in resolving the dispute.

Ramaphosa said refuse removal services were expected to resume following the settlement.

He also acknowledged problems with water supply, saying Rand Water had experienced difficulties delivering sufficient water to reservoirs but was increasing pumping to address the shortages.

He said the water supply challenges affected Johannesburg and other areas beyond Gauteng, including Mpumalanga.

Ramaphosa acknowledged that water shortages were frustrating for residents, saying they deserved reliable basic services.

"Our residents rightfully deserve the best, and we are going to give them the best," he said.

He also urged registered voters to take part in the local government elections, emphasising that voting was both a democratic right and a responsibility.