Following Premier Alan Winde’s assertion that the ANC had received financial support from Russia, tensions flared in the Western Cape legislature. The contentious remark came during a session where Winde was fielding questions about his recent trip to the United States.
News24 reports that the premier’s frustration with the ANC was palpable as he responded to opposition inquiries regarding his visit to the US, which was aimed at advocating for South Africa’s continued participation in the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).
Winde exclaimed, ‘This relationship is about jobs and the economy, and they don’t give a damn about it. It’s the Russians that are funding the ANC.’
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In July, Winde led a delegation from the provincial government and Wesgro representatives to the US with the primary objective of promoting the Western Cape as an attractive hub for trade and investment.
At the forefront of their agenda was an assurance to the US government that the province remained committed to AGOA. Under AGOA, eligible African nations enjoy preferential access to the lucrative US market. If AGOA benefits were to be revoked, American importers would be burdened with tariffs on South African goods, leading to increased prices for consumers.
The ANC members in the legislature strongly criticised Winde’s trip to the US, suggesting it may have had ulterior motives related to fundraising.
ANC MPL Cameron Dugmore remarked, ‘The visit to the US, besides it being probably for funding purposes for next year’s elections, was also based on the desperate attempt to keep old markets.’
Winde retorted, ‘We engaged with the US Congress committees and those influential with AGOA. Of course, the meetings were not only about AGOA; we had a whole range of meetings with Amazon, Disney and Netflix as well.’
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Winde’s visit ensued against the backdrop of allegations by a group of bipartisan legislators in the US, who accused South Africa of strengthening its military ties with Russia over the past year. They called on the White House to relocate this year’s AGOA summit from South Africa, signalling a potential threat to South Africa’s AGOA status.
South Africa’s stance of abstaining from condemning Russia’s actions in Ukraine at the United Nations further compounded the issue. Critics argue that this stance may have influenced the push to move the AGOA summit.
ACDP MPL Ferlon Christians came to Winde’s defence, emphasising that the US trip was motivated by employment opportunities and the protection of Western Cape residents.
He argued, ‘I am sure the ANC would have asked why the premier did not go to the US. Is the ANC against jobs? Is Russia funding your [the ANC] political campaign? Stop this. This was a decision of this house.’
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