Parliament Speaker Thoko Didiza addressed the SADC Parliamentary Forum, stressing the necessity of urgent action to bolster economic resilience and revive public health in South Africa. Her remarks come as the country grapples with escalating tariffs and significant reductions in funding for crucial healthcare services. During Tuesday’s 58th SADC Parliamentary Forum Plenary Assembly, Parliament Speaker Thoko Didiza addressed a number of pressing issues, highlighting the significant challenges that tariffs and funding cuts are posing to South Africa’s economy and healthcare system.
Didiza began the discussion by highlighting the harsh realities of tariffs affecting trade within SADC member states. “With regards to the automotive industry, it would be recalled that the US is a major destination for South African automotive exports. Proposed or imposed tariffs (e.g., 25% on vehicles) have led to higher costs and reduced competitiveness for South African-made vehicles in the US market, which could potentially slow demand,” Didiza said.
She said the steel and aluminium industries have also been affected by the US tariffs, disrupting global supply chains and increasing manufacturing costs. “This has put pressure on the competitiveness of the once competitive steel industry,” Didiza said adding thatagricultural products such as wine and citrus are vulnerable to tariff escalations. “The trade protectionism observed in America has necessitated the diversification of trade to other markets such as the AGOA and Asian regions,” Didiza said.
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“Within the SADC region, South Africa emphasises strengthening regional integration and leveraging the African Continental Free Trade Area to build resilience against global trade challenges. South Africa utilises diplomatic channels to negotiate trade deals that respect national interests and preserve regional integration, including the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) common external tariff.
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