South Africa will never ‘go on bended knee’ in trade talks with US

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa responds to questions in the National Assembly in Cape Town, South Africa, September 9, 2025.

Photo credit: Xinhua

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Tuesday that his government is actively engaging the United States to secure a fair trade and investment deal, but emphasised that the country will not “go on bended knee” in the negotiations.

Responding to questions in the National Assembly on Tuesday afternoon, Ramaphosa told lawmakers that South African government representatives are currently in the US for further formal negotiations.