The South African Presidency has expressed expectations that former Sibanye-Stillwater CEO Neal Froneman will exit a business partnership with the government. This development comes after Froneman's recent comments urging the US to target individuals responsible for South African policies while sparing businesses. The partnership, launched by President Cyril Ramaphosa, aims to boost annual economic growth above 3% and create a million jobs by 2030.
The partnership brings together cabinet ministers, senior officials, and business leaders coordinated through Business for South Africa. A joint oversight committee meets quarterly with the president to review progress. The latest phase of the partnership includes mining, tourism, infrastructure, and agriculture, in addition to earlier work on energy and logistics. Tackling crime and corruption, an area in which Froneman participates, is part of a broader effort to build confidence.
Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya described Froneman's approach as unpatriotic and destructive. He stated that Froneman's comments put his continued participation in joint efforts to combat crime and corruption in doubt. Magwenya acknowledged Froneman as a successful businessman but emphasized that he is not a diplomat. As a result, it is expected that Froneman will withdraw his participation in the partnership.
Froneman made the remarks in an interview with BizNews founder Alec Hogg, discussing his plan to bring a Formula One race back to South Africa. He emphasized that the private sector and the majority of South Africans are not the problem and should not be punished. Instead, Froneman suggested targeting individuals who drive policies not supported by the majority of South Africans.
Relations between Pretoria and Washington have deteriorated since US President Donald Trump returned to office in 2025. The strained relations are fueled by Trump's claims of white persecution and disputes over South Africa's land reform and foreign policy. In September, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced visa restrictions targeting individuals responsible for policies that allegedly enable racial discrimination and uncompensated land seizures.
The South African government has rejected the US characterization of its policies, stating that they aim to address centuries of racial injustice. The government emphasized that the dispute should be resolved through diplomatic engagement and respect for South Africa's constitutional processes. Froneman stated that his work in Washington sought to distinguish the private sector from the government amid strained relations between South Africa and the US.
Froneman's project to bring a Formula One race back to South Africa requires government backing. He stated that Sport Minister Gayton McKenzie had secured a commitment from the government to provide a guarantee required by Formula One, supported by sponsorship commitments from large companies. The arrangement would be available to whichever bidder succeeds in securing the race.
Key points
- The South African Presidency expects Neal Froneman to exit a business partnership with the government following his comments urging the US to target individuals responsible for South African policies.
- The partnership aims to boost annual economic growth above 3% and create a million jobs by 2030.
- Froneman's comments have strained his participation in joint efforts to combat crime and corruption.
