South Africa faces a 30% tariff on its exports to the United States starting next week, a move expected to cost tens of thousands of jobs after the country failed to secure a trade deal before a deadline set by U.

South Africa faces the highest rate in sub-Saharan Africa, reflecting Trump's strained relationship with the government of President Cyril Ramaphosa. Other African nations, including Nigeria, Ghana, Lesotho and Zimbabwe have been hit with a 15% tariff, which will also come into effect in seven days.

Dr Kgosientso Ramokgopa spoke to journalists following deliberations by the ANC's national executive committee on issues pertaining to the country’s economy in Germiston on Saturday.