South Africa’s foreign policy under the Government of National Unity (GNU) is increasingly becoming a battleground for ideological and political contradictions. While President Cyril Ramaphosa’s administration continues to advocate for a non-aligned, diplomatic approach on the global stage, the Democratic Alliance (DA), a key partner in the GNU, seems to be actively pursuing a different course – one that directly challenges the hitherto ANC-led government’s foreign policy stance. The DA’s recent visit to the United States to counter Ramaphosa’s position is yet another example of South Africa’s conflicting foreign policy.
More troubling is that this visit follows similar efforts by lobby group AfriForum and the union Solidarity, which embarked on a disinformation campaign falsely claiming a ‘white genocide’ and ‘arbitrary land seizures’ in South Africa. This narrative has played a key role in straining relations with the Donald Trump administration, contributing to the U.S. decision to halt aid to South Africa, threats to exclude the country from the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), and the recent dismissal of South Africa’s Ambassador to the U.S., Ebrahim Rasool.
Adding fuel to the fire are the suggestions attributed to the DA Federal Executive Chairperson, Helen Zille, that her party has its own version of DIRCO (a reference to the Department of International Relations and Cooperation) and is intent on articulating its ‘own’ foreign policy. If true, this statement underscores the DA’s inclination to bypass national diplomatic channels, further fragmenting South Africa’s international engagement.
Seeking to benefit from the current environment, the Cape Independence Advocacy Group (CIAG) has announced plans to send its own delegation to the U.S. to meet with Trump administration officials, aligning with the DA’s push for devolving certain national government functions to the Western Cape. This move not only signals defiance of the GNU’s unity efforts but also suggests an egregious agenda to undo South Africa’s inter-governmental relations framework as codified in the country’s founding Constitution.
A Divided Foreign Policy Strategy
The ANC-led GNU has sought to maintain South Africa’s traditional policy of non-alignment, advocating for multilateralism, peaceful resolution of conflicts, and cooperation with both Western and Eastern blocs. This approach was evident in South Africa’s response to the Russia-Ukraine war, where Ramaphosa resisted U.S. pressure to condemn Moscow outright, opting instead for diplomatic engagement with both Russia and Ukraine, as well as South Africa’s decision to refer Israel to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) over its genocidal crusade in Palestine – a verdict that has been confirmed by the United Nations’ Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and Israel (13 March 2025).
However, the DA has consistently opposed this stance, seeking to align South Africa more closely with the West. The party’s visit to Washington, D.C., earlier this month was intended to assure U.S. lawmakers that not all South Africans support Ramaphosa’s “neutral” approach. In meetings with American officials, DA representatives openly criticised the ANC’s relations with Russia, China and Iran, painting a picture of a country divided in its global outlook.
Undermining Government’s Authority
While the DA has the right to engage in international discussions, its direct contradiction of South Africa’s policies raises serious questions about the country’s diplomatic unity. Traditionally, foreign policy is the domain of the national government, and when opposition parties – or in this case, a governing coalition partner – engage in direct diplomacy with foreign powers to counter official policy, it creates confusion and weakens the country’s international credibility.
The DA’s actions also risk exacerbating tensions with BRICS allies. South Africa’s growing economic and political ties with China and Russia are strategic, particularly in terms of trade, energy, and security cooperation. By openly aligning with the U.S. position, the DA could be seen as advocating for policies that undermine South Africa’s broader economic and geostrategic interests.
A Political Move Within the GNU
The DA’s foreign policy maneuvering is not just about international diplomacy; it is also a domestic political strategy. As a coalition partner in the GNU, the DA is seeking to assert its influence on key policy matters, particularly in areas where it disagrees with the ANC. By appealing to Western allies, the party positions itself as the pro-business, Western-friendly alternative to the ANC’s more globalist and non-aligned approach.
However, this approach could backfire. Many South Africans value the country’s historical ties with the Global South and its independent foreign policy tradition. The ANC has long leveraged its diplomatic stance as part of its legacy of anti-apartheid solidarity and global activism. The DA’s alignment with U.S. interests could be perceived as prioritising foreign approval over national sovereignty.
The Need for a Unified Foreign Policy
South Africa cannot afford to send mixed signals on the international stage. While political parties within the GNU will inevitably have different perspectives, a stable and coherent foreign policy is crucial for maintaining diplomatic relationships and securing economic benefits. The DA’s decision to directly counter Ramaphosa’s stance in Washington highlights the urgent need for greater coherence in South Africa’s international strategy.
The challenge moving forward is ensuring that South Africa speaks with one voice on critical international issues. Whether through parliamentary debates or structured bipartisan engagement, coalition partners should have avenues to influence foreign policy without creating international discord.
Ultimately, the DA’s visit to the U.S. underscores a fundamental weakness in South Africa’s foreign policy framework – one that urgently needs to be addressed to prevent further diplomatic fractures. If South Africa is to remain a credible global player under the GNU, it must reconcile its internal political divisions and project a unified stance to the world.
