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 urged the US to target individuals responsible for South African policies, rather than businesses. The partnership, launched by President Cyril Ramaphosa, aims to boost economic growth and create jobs.
The partnership, now in its third phase, brings together cabinet ministers, senior officials, and business leaders to address various challenges. The latest phase includes sectors such as mining, tourism, infrastructure, and agriculture, in addition to earlier work on energy and logistics. The joint effort seeks to build confidence by tackling crime and corruption, as well as addressing local government challenges.
Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya stated that Froneman's approach was unpatriotic and destructive. He emphasized that Froneman's continued participation in joint efforts to combat crime and corruption is now in doubt. Magwenya respected Froneman as a successful businessman but noted that he is not a diplomat.
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 suggested that the US should target individuals driving policies not supported by the majority of South Africans, rather than punishing businesses. This statement has sparked controversy and raised questions about his role in the government-business partnership.
Relations between Pretoria and Washington have deteriorated since US President Donald Trump returned to office in 2025. The strained relations are fueled by disputes over South Africa's land reform, foreign policy, and Trump's claims of white persecution. In September, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced visa restrictions targeting individuals responsible for policies Washington alleges enable racial discrimination.
The South African government has rejected the US characterization of its policies, stating that they aim to address centuries of racial injustice. Pretoria emphasized that the dispute should be resolved through diplomatic engagement and respect for South Africa's constitutional processes. Froneman's comments have added to the tensions between the two nations.
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 project's success is uncertain, given the strained relations between South Africa and the US.
Key points
- The South African Presidency expects Neal Froneman to exit a government-business partnership due to his comments criticizing SA policies.
- The partnership aims to boost economic growth and create jobs through joint efforts between government and business leaders.
- Froneman's comments have sparked controversy and raised questions about his role in the partnership and the Formula One project.
