---
title: "Redi Tlhabi breaks down Trump’s tariff chaos with Phillip van Niekerk"
description: "In this episode of The Readiness Report, Redi Tlhabi sits down with veteran journalist Phillip van Niekerk to unpack the geopolitical chaos unleashed by Donald Trump’s sweeping new tariffs. From South Africa to Brazil, global economies are reeling, and the implications run deeper than trade. Are we witnessing the collapse of multilateralism, or the rise of something far more personal and dangerous? Tune in for sharp analysis and commentary, and to hear more about why this matters for South Africa right now."
type: "NewsArticle"
publisher: "Daily Maverick"
site: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za"
section: "THE READINESS REPORT"
author: "Redi Tlhabi"
author_url: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/author/redi-tlhabi/"
canonical_url: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2025-08-03-redi-tlhabi-breaks-down-trumps-tariff-chaos-with-phillip-van-niekerk/"
published: "2025-08-03T15:36:31"
updated: "2025-08-04T18:44:57"
lang: "en-ZA"
word_count: 58
---

# Redi Tlhabi breaks down Trump’s tariff chaos with Phillip van Niekerk

> In this episode of The Readiness Report, Redi Tlhabi sits down with veteran journalist Phillip van Niekerk to unpack the geopolitical chaos unleashed by Donald Trump’s sweeping new tariffs. From South Africa to Brazil, global economies are reeling, and the implications run deeper than trade. Are we witnessing the collapse of multilateralism, or the rise of something far more personal and dangerous? Tune in for sharp analysis and commentary, and to hear more about why this matters for South Africa right now.

By Redi Tlhabi · Published 3 August 2025, 17:36 SAST · Updated 4 August 2025, 20:44 SAST

## Key points
- In a world where chaos reigns and sanity is a rare commodity, Redi Tlhabi and her crew dive deep into the murky waters of current affairs, proving that sometimes the best way to navigate a crisis is with a sharp wit and a keen eye for the absurd.
- Redi Tlhabi hosts a compelling discussion on pressing social issues in the latest episode.
- Produced by a talented team including Emilie Gambade and Bernard Kotze, the episode promises insightful dialogue.
- Original theme music enhances the listening experience, crafted by Bernard Kotze.
- Support independent journalism by becoming a Maverick Insider and subscribe to the Daily Maverick YouTube channel.

## Content

[YouTube video: "YouTube video"](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YAb8QtXGz3I)

[Media](https://player.simplecast.com/fa6f7577-a12e-467a-9ca7-a4baf1021104?dark=false)

The Readiness Report is supported by

![Image](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Protea-Red_IFAWOC_HEXlogo_91-446x480.png)

**Hosted** by Redi Tlhabi**Produced by** Emilie Gambade, Bernard Kotze & Joel Seboa
**Original Theme Music & Design**by Bernard Kotze

Support journalism that protects democracy. Become a [Maverick Insider](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/insider/).
Subscribe to Daily Maverick YouTube channel. @dailymaverickchannel. **DM**

This episode is brought to you by global investment managers [Ninety One](https://ninetyone.com/en/south-africa).