Krutham MD Peter Attard Montalto joins Business Day TV to discuss SA’s fragmented relations with the US.

“US relations with SA were always going to get rocky as South Africa charged down a somewhat performative path – whether in its relationships with Iran or others,” says Attard Montalto. “Let’s not forget that even under the previous administration, the Democrats were already concerned about SA. They largely swept it under the carpet at the time. But with the re-emergence of the Republicans, we’re seeing everything out in the open. What’s needed is some simple cost–benefit analysis. What foreign policy is ultimately in the best interest of the country? That’s jobs and development in the broadest sense of the word.”

He notes that there is a growing frustration from business and others about the lack of pragmatism. “No one is saying SA shouldn’t have a human rights or solidarity based foreign policy, but ultimately you need to know what side your bread is buttered on.”

Watch the full clip below.