As President Cyril Ramaphosa prepares for his diplomatic engagement with US President Donald Trump, next week, the United Democratic Movement (UDM) is calling for the resumption of a Binational Commission.

UDM president Bantu Holomisa said this would ensure a “credible and forward-looking path” for South Africa and the US, as tensions have heightened between the two nations, largely owing to unsubstantiated allegations of genocide and land confiscation from white communities in South Africa.

Holomisa argued that a renewed Binational Commission could serve as a meaningful platform to address the current misunderstandings and to create space for practical cooperation.

He explained that such a commission should include dedicated sub-committees on the economy, security, education and environment, where both governments could regularly engage on key strategic priorities.

“…this structure would also allow for in-depth discussions on areas of concern and opportunities for collaboration, ensuring that all sectors of society benefit from the outcomes,” he laid out.

He further suggested that both Parliaments should be kept informed of the commission’s progress, to ensure transparency, accountability and alignment with national interests.

Holomisa highlighted that Parliamentary oversight would also help institutionalise the work of the commission beyond political cycles.

“In addition to this, the departments responsible for trade and economic development, namely the South African Department of Trade, Industry and Competition and the United States Department of Commerce, should work closely to identify high-potential sectors and unlock investment opportunities in areas such as energy, agriculture, technology and manufacturing,” he said.

Diplomacy, cooperation and mutual respect must guide the engagements, he stressed, warning that unresolved tensions and negative narratives could erode investor confidence and economic stability.

The backdrop for the upcoming discussion sees continued access to the US market under the African Growth and Opportunity Act for South Africa's economy hanging in the balance, while access for global firms, including US companies, to the huge developing African market - potentially taking advantage of access to it from comparatively developed South Africa, which benefits from its African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement signatory status - promises to be a sweetener for South Africa's negotiators.