Faizel Patel, Radio Islam News – 06-07-2019

(Twitter: @FaizelPatel143)

President Cyril Ramaphosa says the standoff between China and the US, which affected technology company Huawei, is an example of protectionism that will affect South Africa’s own telecommunications sector.

Ramaphosa was speaking at the 4th Industrial Revolution SA inaugural Digital Economy Summit at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand on Friday.

In May, the Trump administration added Huawei to a trade blacklist enacting restrictions that made it extremely difficult for the company to do business with U.S. counterparts.

Ramaphosa says the US is jealous of Huawei.

“The US has been unable to imagine a better future that goes beyond 4 plus one G. Where they have been unable to imagine what 5G has to offer. They are clearly jealous that a Chinese company called Huawei has outstripped them and because they have been outstripped they must now punish that one company.”

Ramaphosa says the dispute between China and the US will affect the efforts to roll out the 5G network, causing a setback on other networks as well.

“We cannot afford to have our economy to be held back because of this fight. We are pleased that at the G20 Summit, China and US were able to meet and they said they will relax some of the constraints being imposed on Huawei, so that it can continue to deal with other various companies.”

He says South Africa and the world supports companies that move them forward towards better technologies including 5G.