Trade union Solidarity has embarked on an innovative path by signing a deal with Propay Prime US, aiming to export South African IT skills directly from the country. This strategic move marks a significant shift in how South Africa can leverage its talent pool while navigating global market challenges.
Propay is a US-based company that provides software as a service platforms primarily tailored for unions, non-profits, and enterprises. Their diverse offerings also include financial services and DevOps solutions, making them a fitting partner for Solidarity’s objectives.
The agreement comes amidst Solidarity’s active initiative in the United States, where they have made several visits to lobby for support from notable figures, including President Donald Trump. Their agenda includes urging the U.S. to apply pressure on the South African government to revise what they term “racist” policies made by the African National Congress (ANC) and to impose sanctions on specific ANC leaders implicated in corruption.
Recently, Solidarity made headlines by requesting the Trump administration to reduce tariffs on various South African exports, including those from the motor manufacturing, agriculture, textiles, and mining industries, aiming for a more favorable tariff rate of 15%. This comes in response to a steep 30% tariff increase imposed in August, which poses significant hurdles for South African exporters.
The Solidarity delegation is currently in Texas, anticipating the signing of additional agreements with local businesses to further bolster their initiative. Dirk Hermann, CEO of Solidarity, has articulated the broader vision: to create an extensive sector allowing South Africans to export their skills while remaining in their homeland.
“The information revolution has created unlimited potential,” Hermann remarked. “In the next five years, we are going to create thousands of jobs for people who can apply their skills without absurd racial requirements.” This statement underscores the union’s aim to harness the power of technology as a means of transcending traditional barriers.
Leveraging Modern Technology
Looking forward, Solidarity plans to expand the agreement with Propay into various sectors beyond IT, venturing into finance, online education, communication, design, engineering, planning, project management, and administration. The goal is clear: to create diverse opportunities for skilled professionals.
Peter Wesseloo, Managing Director of Propay Prime US, expressed optimism, asserting that the partnership will channel numerous opportunities from the U.S. into South Africa. He emphasized that the skills possessed by Solidarity’s members are highly sought after in the American job market.
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To facilitate this connection, Solidarity has developed an online platform designed to bridge the gap between employers and potential employees. Additionally, they are set to launch a staffing agency aimed at enhancing the facilitation of exporting these vital skills abroad.
“We want people to live in rand but earn in dollars. We want them to work for the Yankees, but cheer for the Springboks. We want them to work in New York during the week but still head for the bush on a Friday. Modern technology is opening new possibilities, and no government or racial law can stop it,” Hermann stated emphatically.
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This strategic agreement occurs at a pivotal time as South Africa and the U.S. face uncertainty surrounding the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which recently expired. Although discussions regarding a potential one-year extension are ongoing, there have yet to be final developments.
Overall, Solidarity’s forward-thinking approach is crafting a new narrative around skill exportation, positioning South Africa as a competitive player in the global economy, who can utilize technology to navigate around restrictive policies. – © 2025 NewsCentral Media
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