EFF AND JULIUS MALEMA BLAST DONALD TRUMP OVER AGOA WITHDRAWAL — PARTY SAYS SOUTH AFRICA WILL NOT ABANDON ITS SOVEREIGNTY TO PLEASE WASHINGTON!
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), led by Julius Malema, have criticised US President Donald Trump’s decision to terminate South Africa’s participation in the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), arguing that the move is an attempt to use economic pressure to influence the country’s political and foreign-policy decisions.
In a statement released on Tuesday, 3 November 2026, the EFF said it had warned for years that the United States could withdraw AGOA benefits while South Africa continued to exercise its sovereignty.
The party linked the deteriorating relationship between Pretoria and Washington to several disagreements, including South Africa’s position on Palestine, its case against Israel at the International Court of Justice, and its relationships with countries such as Russia, China and Iran, as well as its participation in BRICS.
The EFF argued that South Africa should not be expected to abandon its diplomatic relationships or change its foreign policy to satisfy a powerful trading partner.
However, the party also acknowledged that losing preferential access to the American market would be a setback. It called on the government to protect workers, farmers, manufacturers and ordinary South Africans who could be affected.
The EFF urged South Africa to expand trade with other markets, including Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Middle East, while strengthening partnerships through BRICS and the African Continental Free Trade Area.
Do you agree with Malema and the EFF that South Africa should defend its foreign-policy independence, even if it comes at an economic cost?