SA needs to rethink its foreign policy

THE ANC’s foreign policy direction is characterised by loyalty to its Cold War-era alliances. Russia was sympathetic towards the liberation movement in South Africa, providing military equipment and training, as well as funding parties like the ANC and PAC. The Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO), likewise, supported the liberation movements.

It is therefore natural that the ANC would lean towards Palestine and Russia; they are loyal to “old friends” and feel indebted to them.

This, however, does not serve today’s developmental agenda. South Africa is trapped in a Cold War mindset. It is unable to adjust to the modern-day economy and democracy.

The ANC compromised in the early 1990s, when it thought it could serve two masters; its wish was to have a friend in the US and Russia. To appease both, it pursued policies characterised by liberalism/capitalism and socialism.

Media reports on the diplomatic stand-off between the US and South Africa have instilled uncertainty and panic in the general populace in Pretoria. This follows allegations that the Russian cargo ship, Lady R, switched off its transponders on approaching the Simon’s Town naval base, docked and then conducted off-loading activities at night.

It is not easy to believe government officials that the allegations raised by the US ambassador to South Africa are baseless. Even our president, Cyril Ramaphosa, does not know the details, hence the need for an inquiry. Given our trading relations with the US, it is vital we reconsider our foreign policy. We cannot say we are neutral or non-aligned in a conflict while we are alleged to have supplied arms to a country involved in a conflict.

South Africa also needs to rethink its foreign policy position on the Israel-Palestine impasse. The ANC-led government leans towards Palestine while vilifying Israel. The position does not help bring about peace and stability in the Middle East region.

The Department of International Relations and Co-operation says it aims to strengthen political, economic and social relations through structured bilateral agreements and high-level engagements to advance South Africa’s national priorities, the African Agenda and South-South co-operation.

However, if the government were committed to bringing about economic growth through its relations with other countries, we would have seen South Africa helping facilitate dialogue between Israel and Palestine.

South Africa’s foreign policy should be focusing on building unity, inclusive economic development and shared prosperity for Africa and its people. It doesn’t make sense to shun those who can help us grow.

What then happens, in the case of Russia, when Ukraine is being aggressively attacked by the Kremlin? Russia is wrong and should be condemned. Similarly, if Palestine launched unprovoked attacks against Israel.

Our foreign policy has been built on the spirit of reconciliation and peace. We are known and respected for that because of what happened in 1994. Conflict-ridden countries can easily listen to us because we have walked that path.

Efforts by Ramaphosa to engage Ukraine and Russia are therefore applaudable. That is the South African brand we are known for.