SA facing numerous challenges & opportunities with Trump election win, say analysts
Donald Trump defeated the Democratic nominee, Kamala Harris, winning the electoral college and he's also set to get the majority of the popular vote.
US President Donald Trump. Picture: Joe Raedle/Getty Images/AFP
JOHANNESBURG - Analysts say there are numerous challenges, risks and opportunities facing South Africa following US President-elect Donald Trump’s return to the White House.
Trump defeated the Democratic nominee, Kamala Harris, winning the electoral college and he's also set to get the majority of the popular vote.
This is as some states continue tallying up the historic 5 November election results.
ALSO READ:
• After Trump election win, Russia says Putin won't send congratulatory message
• Rand weakens after Donald Trump wins US elections
• World leaders pledge to work with Trump as he wins US election
One might have to reflect on the past in attempts to predict how a Trump presidency might affect South Africa.
He falsely tweeted about land seizures and genocide on the one hand but AGOA, through a programme from Congress, remained untouched during his tenure.
Chris Hattingh, executive director at the Centre for Risk Analysis, suggests multiple risks, challenges and benefits await.
"On the trade front and on the diplomatic front, the rhetoric from Trump would likely follow his first administration. On the implementation and practice of policy across the board, it remains to be seen whether there will be some element of deviation."
Another analyst, Sanusha Naidu, said that South Africa chairing the G20 a year ahead of America is likely to create a better connection between the two countries.