JOHANNESBURG - President Cyril Ramaphosa answered questions from MPs on Tuesday afternoon.
READ: Ramaphosa Q&A | President faces tough questions in National Assembly
The written questions to the president touched on the impact of US tariffs, the National Dialogue, and the possible abolition of deputy ministers.
Ramaphosa also provided an assessment of South Africa’s Presidency of the G20.
PRESIDENT CYRIL RAMAPHOSA TO ANSWER QUESTIONS IN NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
Parliament, Monday, 8 September 2025 – President Cyril Ramaphosa will answer oral questions from members of the National Assembly tomorrow (Tuesday).
These oral question and answer sessions with the President… pic.twitter.com/Rl7Hs9A6sW— Parliament of RSA (@ParliamentofRSA) September 8, 2025
The first question asked about the response to the US government's 30% tariff on South African products.
Ramaphosa said South Africa should take the imposition of 30% tariffs as "an opportunity to diversify the country's export market" and facilitate the entry into alternative markets.
He emphasised the national government is engaging with the USA government for a mutually beneficial trade and investment deal.
Ramaphosa also made assurances that the appointment of South Africa's ambassador to the US will be finalised soon.
President @CyrilRamaphosa said that the South African government is in continued engagement with the USA government to secure a mutually beneficial trade and investment deal. The President was responding to questions for oral reply in the National Assembly #7thParliament 🇿🇦 pic.twitter.com/mPsrfrr4Jp
— Parliament of RSA (@ParliamentofRSA) September 9, 2025
The President also said that South Africa should take the imposition of 30% tariffs as an opportunity to diversify the country's export market platform to ensure increased resilience and to facilitate the entry into alternative markets #7thParliament pic.twitter.com/Zz86BiMsqj
— Parliament of RSA (@ParliamentofRSA) September 9, 2025
The President assured the house that the appointment of South Africa's Ambassador to the USA is soon to be finalised. "It will be a person who is capable , a person who is sufficiently well experienced and sufficiently well versed in world views and politics, and who knows the… pic.twitter.com/nS4iqgjphE
— Parliament of RSA (@ParliamentofRSA) September 9, 2025