– But the Damage Runs Deeper
Reporter – George April
South Africa is once again caught in the storm of American politics, not just in words, but now in action. “President Donald Trump announcing his new trade policies. Critics warn of deep consequences for South African farmers and workers.”
Pictures – Google.com
With Donald Trump officially back as President of the United States since January 2025, his administration has announced devastating 30% tariffs on key South African exports: citrus, wine, beef, soy, and more. Despite President Cyril Ramaphosa’s official visit to Washington earlier this year, aimed at strengthening ties and avoiding economic fallout, the Trump administration went ahead. And for many South Africans, this feels less like economics and more like a political message.
Real Power, Real Consequences
These tariffs are not campaign threats. They are official U.S. policy, enacted under Trump’s new administration.
The consequences are immediate:
Farmers, black and white now risk losing international buyers. Rural jobs in agriculture, food processing and export are in danger. South Africa’s economy, already fragile, could suffer further – hitting the poor hardest.
This is not a question of “what if” – it is already happening.
What Is Trump Trying to Prove?
President Trump claims, The U.S. is being “ripped off in trade with South Africa. South Africa places high tariffs on American goods” (despite most entering duty-free). White South African farmers are victims of discrimination. But critics, including economists and human rights groups, say Trump is using old racial narratives to justify new political moves. And for many South Africans, especially those who lived through apartheid, this feels eerily familiar:
Being punished not for doing wrong, but because of global politics.
Dr Lebohang Pheko: “We Must Rethink Our Trade Ties”
“South African political economist Dr. Pheko also issued a strong warning on national TV:
“South Africa must rethink its bilateral agreements.” “We cannot be punished, because of global misinformation and one man’s personal politics.”
She emphasized the urgent need for South Africa to diversify exports, focus on continental trade, and move away from over-reliance on the U.S.
All South Africans Will Suffer
The bitter irony is clear – Trump says he’s protecting white farmers, but his actions are hurting everyone.
Thousands of black and coloured farm workers may lose jobs.
Small producers and cooperatives may collapse.
Local agricultural regions, in the Western Cape, Limpopo, and Eastern Cape will take the hardest hits.
This is not economic protection – This is political punishment of a democratic nation.
Technology, Division, and Dangerous Support
One of the most disturbing trends is how many South Africans, particularly in white conservative circles, are supporting Trump’s stance. Some celebrate the tariffs online, framing Trump as a “saviour” for white farmers. But this dangerously fuels racial tension in an already divided country.
A coloured businessman recently said told CCN – “The racial war in South Africa is escalating, and Trump’s words are not helping.” “Social media platforms are becoming battlefields of disinformation, where fear spreads faster than facts”. “And in today’s world, that’s a serious threat to peace”, he said.
What Now for South Africa?
Challenge the tariffs through diplomacy and legal channels.
Diversify trade markets, strengthen ties with BRICS, the African continent, and the EU.
Educate citizens to see through manipulation and foreign influence. Unite across racial lines to reject political division from outside forces.
South Africa survived sanctions during apartheid, but that was a fight against injustice. Today’s punishment feels like a consequence of foreign political theatre, not domestic wrongdoing.
CCN – final Thoughts
President Donald Trump has made his position clear, but South Africa now faces a choice – Will we bow to international pressure and division?
Or will we stand together, black, white, coloured, and Indian, with unity and dignity?
Because this is no longer just a trade issue – It’s a test of who we are as a nation.
