Trade union Solidarity said on Friday while it believes that the South African government has failed to secure a trade agreement with the US government, it is forging ahead by establishing agreements with US companies to export online skills from South Africa.

Solidarity said it had reached an agreement with US company, Propay Prime US, to export online IT skills.

Solidarity CE Dr Dirk Hermann said the agreement with Propay Prime US is considered a successful 'micro-trade agreement'.

The Solidarity delegation, led by Jaco Kleynhans, is currently in Texas, where further agreements with companies are being negotiated. Sister organisation AfriForum is hoping to expand the agreement to include other sectors.

Hermann said the plan is to establish an entire sector through which South Africans can export their skills to the US while continuing to live in South Africa.

“There are no limitations on this front. Solidarity plans to expand the agreement to include the financial sector, online education, communication and design, engineering, planning, project management, administration, and many more,” he explained.

Hermann said the information revolution had created unlimited potential, claiming that in the next five years, Solidarity was going to create thousands of jobs for people who can apply their skills “without absurd racial requirements”.

Solidarity has developed an online platform that connects employers and employees without any racial requirements.

The organisation also plans to make an announcement soon about the launch of a staffing agency that will improve the facilitation of skills abroad.

“We are incredibly excited about this. The possibilities are endless. We want people to live in rand but earn in dollars. We want them to work for the Yankees, but cheer for the Springboks. We want them to work in New York during the week but still head for the bush on a Friday. Modern technology is opening new possibilities, and no government or racial law can stop it,” said Hermann.

Propay Prime US MD Peter Wesseloo said the agreement would bring a “considerable number of opportunities” from the US to South Africans.

He said his company recognised the strong work ethic of Solidarity members, which he said was in demand in the US.

He believes the agreement will make an “enormous difference” for South Africans, but also for people in the US.