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President Cyril Ramaphosa delivering an address at Japan-South Africa Business Forum in Tokyo, 22 August 2025.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has asserted that South Africa’s national interest will forever remain independent, reflecting the country’s constitutional values and national priorities.
He was writing in his letter to the nation today after attending the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) in Japan.
Ramaphosa says at a time when the country faces potentially high tariffs imposed by the US, participating in such forums is part of measures to reduce dependence on historical markets, secure market access and attract investment.
He says South Africa will continue to engage with partners in both the Global North and South.
South Africa’s national interest will forever remain independent, not beholden to external influence. It will reflect our constitutional values and national priorities. As we continue to engage constructively with the international community, we have been consistent that this… pic.twitter.com/2DPmWdZuuQ
— Cyril Ramaphosa 🇿🇦 (@CyrilRamaphosa) August 25, 2025
