The feature in this issue focuses on the new era of tariffs from the Trump administration and their effects on South Africa. However, firstly, the editorial looks at the National Dialogue. It argues that, with all its faults, it is something that the Left can’t afford to ignore.
In the feature: Luciana Ghiotto explains that the US tariffs aren’t entirely new. World trade has been moving away from the neoliberal global regulation of the 1990s and towards bilateral agreements, in the context of intensifying competition with China. An interview with former Trade and Industry Minister, Rob Davies, surveys the damage to the South African economy from these tariffs and suggests that greater African cooperation is the way to go. Lauren Paremoer focuses on the particular instance of negotiations around the regulation of medical manufacturing as a “pocket of hope” for advancing global solidarity and a more just global economy. Siyabulela Mama looks at the closure of the Goodyear Tyre factory and the need to take over and repurpose such plants for socially useful production. Patrick Bond argues that those who see BRICS as a possible alternative pole in the struggle with Trump tariffs are suffering from an illusion. In reality, it is largely an organisation of sub-imperial states. And finally, Brian Ashley suggests that South Africa should take advantage of the collapse of the WTO to protect our own key industries, to build a more just and sustainable economy.
Our Moment of History celebrates 50 years since the fall of Saigon, which represented the defeat of US imperialism in Vietnam. It does this through an interview with Tariq Ali, veteran socialist activist and leader of the mass anti-Vietnam War movement of the 60s and 70s.
In the Politics section, Brian Ashley welcomes the decision by the SACP to stand independently in elections, but argues that they need a deep introspection to account for their long-term support for the anti-working-class ANC. Omphile Maotwe, Treasurer-General of the EFF, presents the case for their Bill currently in parliament, which seeks to outlaw many aspects of outsourcing and rebuild the capacity of the state. And Mike Ndlovu of KAAX describes the consequences of the Operation Dudula campaign to prevent non-South Africans from using healthcare services.
In the Labour section, Suraya Jawoodeen, a long-standing trade union activist, introduces a new series of articles on the perils of trade unions taking a stake in the capitalist economy. In the Public Sector, Dick Forslund investigates the issues underlying the corruption in the Independent Development Trust. And in the Mining Sector, David van Wyk assesses the amendments to mining legislation.
In the International section, we present an interview with Zarah Sultana, one of the leaders, with Jeremy Corbyn, of the new, mass Left party emerging in the UK. And Jonathan Cannard describes the terror of the anti-immigrant raids taking place in the US and the resistance being organised against them.
In the Culture section, Roomaan Leach analyses the crucial contributions of cultural figures such as Kneecap, Bob Vylan and Macklemore in countering dominant narratives, especially on Palestine.
We recognise the contribution of Theresa Solomon to the struggle in an obituary from her former husband, Marcus Solomon, and her daughter, Lee-Anne Levendal.
And finally, the Reluctant President muses on his extraordinary monologue to the National Dialogue, in which he expresses his confusion about why there are so many poor people in South Africa.
Download here: Amandla! Issue #99
