South African President Cyril Ramaphosa at the BRICS 2024 summit held in Kazan, Russia on 22-24 October, 2024. South Africa’s current defence of its foreign policy sovereignty and the constructive role of the BRICS Plus initiative present challenges for the Democratic Alliance’s (DA) benefactors and puppeteers, says the writer. Picture: GCIS
Reneva Fourie
DEMOCRATIC Alliance (DA) leader John Steenhuisen’s critique of South Africa’s foreign policy, particularly its relationship with Russia, has sparked heated debate.
Historically, the ANC’s leaders responsible for crafting South Africa’s international relations policies in the past three decades possess a profound grasp of the intricate dynamics that influence the global space. They are experienced and highly skilled at balancing partnerships with established allies and emerging powers. Steenhuisen’s remarks, aimed at undermining their capabilities, confirm his placement as a pawn of Western interests.
Steenhuisen’s stance is also a clear misjudgement of his party’s authority. The DA often overstates its significance, claiming influence far exceeding its actual standing. The party repeatedly states that the African National Congress (ANC) did not win the May general election. It is crucial for the ANC, particularly its leader, President Cyril Ramaphosa, to rectify this misperception and assert his authority more firmly. Although the ANC secured less than 50 per cent of the vote, this does not signify a defeat; it remains the leading party. Additionally, there is a clear disconnect between how the DA views its electoral success and the reality of the results. With just 21.81 per cent of the vote and many voters having abstained from the election, it is evident that most South Africans do not support the DA.
While often characterised by a focus on neoliberal economic policies, a thorough examination reveals that a central, albeit subtle, goal of the DA has always been to assert control over South Africa’s foreign policy. The DA’s pursuit of foreign policy control is evident in its multiple tactical manoeuvres. Throughout its electoral, parliamentary and public discourses, the DA unrelentingly pushed for re-evaluating South Africa’s foreign alliances and advocated for a definitive shift towards more favourable relationships with Western countries. Furthermore, it starkly downplays the critical importance of foreign relations in tackling local challenges, ignoring South Africa’s significant role in the African Union and its influence on regional and global matters as established under the leadership of the ANC.
The ANC-headed government instituted a foreign policy grounded in anti-colonialism, African solidarity, and non-alignment. South Africa’s commitment to continental development and cooperation is far from a mere diplomatic formality; it is rooted in the crucial recognition that our prosperity is directly tied to the stability of the rest of Africa and our collective ability to confront pressing economic and social challenges. Furthermore, robust trade agreements and international investments are vital for driving economic growth. Creating a multipolar world with a more balanced trade environment can significantly reduce domestic unemployment and poverty while setting the stage for a more peaceful and prosperous future.
In stark contrast, the DA has actively sought to align South Africa more closely with Western powers, particularly the United States (US). In recent years, the US, supported by its allies in Europe, has increasingly turned to trade as a strategic tool, employing it to exert political influence and enforce its foreign policy objectives. The ‘weaponisation of trade’ phenomenon involves leveraging economic measures to achieve geopolitical ends.
It unilaterally imposed economic sanctions against countries such as Syria, Cuba and Venezuela to advance its national interests. It manipulated trade agreements and even threatened South Africa with exclusion from the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act due to its foreign policy positions. Tariffs have been employed to directly impose economic costs on specific countries, such as tariffs on Chinese goods in 2018. The US has also tightened export controls to prevent sensitive technologies from being shared with countries it considers adversaries. Moreover, the dominance of Western financial systems, particularly the US dollar, and the misuse of the SWIFT system have severely hampered the trading capabilities of the affected countries.
These measures, especially sanctions, are typically used to enforce international law and promote peace. However, the US misuses them as instruments of economic warfare to impose its will on other countries at enormous cost to vulnerable populations. The DA’s alignment with such tactics raises serious questions about its commitment to international law and human rights standards.
As the geopolitical dynamics shift, the BRICS Plus initiative comprised initially of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, and now expanding to include other countries, is strategically positioning itself as pivotal in countering the weaponisation of trade. Trade flows are maintained by emphasising mutual respect and cooperation and promoting trade and investment within the bloc. Furthermore, exploring local currency trade agreements, developing new payment systems, and leveraging technological advancements allow for a more resilient financial architecture that prioritises economic sovereignty. Initiatives such as the New Development Bank and the Contingent Reserve Arrangement are already laying the groundwork for financial cooperation, allowing member countries to support each other during economic distress.
The economic initiatives, educational exchanges, research collaborations, and cultural partnerships contribute to solidifying ties among member nations and create a sense of unity. Thus, BRICS Plus represents a significant push towards a more multipolar world. This approach fosters a more equitable global landscape that promotes adherence to international law and human rights standards and emphasises dialogue and cooperation, rather than coercion, in resolving international disputes. As more countries align with the BRICS Plus ethos, the collective power of the bloc will increase.
South Africa’s current defence of its foreign policy sovereignty and the constructive role of the BRICS Plus initiative present challenges for the Democratic Alliance’s (DA) benefactors and puppeteers. Consequently, the DA is compelled to attempt to redefine South Africa’s foreign policy, hence its criticisms.
This is unfortunate as the BRICS Plus initiative provides a significant opportunity to transform a global environment often characterised by destructive and coercive tactics, blatant violations of international law and unnecessary wars. By promoting solidarity and cooperative efforts, BRICS Plus contributes to a more equitable global framework that acknowledges and amplifies the interests of emerging economies. This initiative is not merely a vision; it establishes the foundation for a future marked by collaboration, empathy and shared prosperity.
* Dr Reneva Fourie is a policy analyst specialising in governance, development and security.
** The views expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the views of The African.
