LOOKING A GIFT HORSE IN THE MOUTH

Trade and Industry Minister dropped a bombshell this week when he announced South Africa's possible suspension from the African Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa). Until Davies' announcement we were led to believe that US concerns would be handily resolved by the December 31, 2015 deadline. The deadline has come and gone, and now Davies and his team are frantically pleading for additional time to conclude an agreement with the US. If not, the impact to the country's agricultural sector will be devastating, resulting in job losses in the thousands, as well as extensive collateral damage to an already faltering economy. Whatever reasons for the current situation, be it neglect, ineptness, intransigence, or arrogance, Davies and his team are to blame for missing the deadline. According to the minister, "negotiations" will follow shortly in the hope of salvaging South Africa's ongoing participation in Agoa. At this conjuncture, Davies is left with only Hobson's choice. If South Africa is excluded from Agoa, Davies must immediately resign, and head for the hills.