SA’s self-destructive foreign policy

Minister Naledi Pandor, pictured, is not endearing herself to the western world. The US House of Representatives is reviewing a Bill titled, “US-South Africa Bilateral Relations Review” in which it is reassessing the relationship between the two countries and questioning SA’s foreign policy position “in siding with US enemies and acting as a proxy for terrorist organisations”.

The Bill also accuses South Africa of making anti-Semitic and anti-Israel statements following the 7 October attack. Goodbye Agoa.

Pandor has reacted to the Bill with “shock”, and was “horrified”. Really, Pandor?

Pandor, hijab and all, addressed a Carnegie Endowment for International Peace meeting in Washington on 19 March.

When asked whether she knew that Iran is an authoritarian government, she replied with this absurd answer: “I don’t know whether they are an authoritarian regime. I don’t have that definition in my logbook.”

She is probably the only poli- tician who is unaware that Iran is a cruel authoritarian regime – a theocratic republic that suppresses freedom and basic human rights. That it is also the world’s largest sponsor of terrorism. It is also a nuclear threat.

She also stated that the ICJ has not been respected, yet South Africa has disrespected it on two occasions. In another ridiculous response, she said: “There is strength in being able to speak to everyone because if you close off, I’m not sure you achieve anything.”

She has yet to speak to Israel. What nonsense.

South Africa really has a self-destructive foreign policy, coupled with a minister who is wallowing around in a political quagmire. A post in Eastern Siberia perhaps? John R