SA’s foreign policy reaffirmed with principles of ‘active non-alignment’

President Cyril Ramaphosa has reaffirmed that South Africa’s foreign policy is a vital element of the country’s progress and is rooted in the principles of “active non-alignment”.

The President’s speech on the eve of the 15th Brics Summit emphasized that South Africa’s foreign policy is guided by historical values, including respect for sovereignty, peaceful conflict resolution and the pursuit of global partnerships that will benefit all South Africans.

Democracy

“Before the dawn of democracy in 1994, the apartheid South African state was a pariah in the international community and was condemned for crimes against humanity. Apartheid South Africa’s foreign policy was defined by coercion, destabilization and military aggression.

“Since the advent of democracy, South Africa’s foreign policy has been based on the declaration that our ancestors wrote in the Freedom Charter in 1955: “South Africa shall be a fully independent state, respecting the rights and sovereignty of all nations. ; Ramaphosa said South Africa will strive to maintain world peace and resolve all international disputes through negotiation, not war.

Ramaphosa’s message is particularly relevant at a time when the country maintains relations with major powers such as the United States, China, Russia and Ukraine.

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active misalignment

Ramaphosa underlined that South Africa’s friendship, including Russia, does not mean hostility to any country, including Ukraine.

Ramaphosa’s spokesman, Vincent Magwenya, said Ramaphosa was committed to maintaining South Africa’s commitment to its policy of active non-alignment.

“South Africa has resisted pressure to align itself with any of the global powers or influential blocs of nations in pursuit of power struggles emerging in countries around the world,” Magwenya said.

“In his foreign policy speech, the President observed: “During the ‘Cold War,’ the stability and sovereignty of many African countries were undermined by their alliances with major powers.

“This experience convinced us of the need to seek strategic partnerships with other countries rather than being dominated by another country. While some of our critics prefer open support for their political and ideological preferences, we will not be drawn into a conflict between global powers. “Instead, our country strives to work together with all countries for global peace and development,” he said.

‘Mutual respect’

Magwenya said South Africa aims to foster partnerships based on mutual respect and common goals, reflecting its commitment to “global peace and development”.

“While President Ramaphosa declared President Putin and the people of Russia “dear friends and allies,” he was not portraying any country or bloc of countries as an enemy. Likewise, South Africa, as a country without enemies, sees BRICS members as friends.

“South Africa has been able to engage constructively with both Russia and Ukraine thanks to its policy of non-alignment,” Magwenya said.

Ramaphosa said: “It is this resolute adherence to the policy of non-alignment and the instructions of the Freedom Charter that informs our constitution that South Africa continues to contribute to the achievement of world peace and the silencing of arms on our continent.”

Foreign policy

Magwenya said South Africa would continue to pursue its diplomatic foreign policy.

“As President Cyril Ramaphosa continues to lead the 7th administration in strengthening all important political and commercial ties, working in solidarity with the oppressed peoples of the world in Palestine and Western Sahara, advocating the peaceful resolution of conflicts around the world, South Africa, solidarity, peace, equality for the benefit of all To pursue a foreign policy based on human rights and sustainable development.

“This is the responsibility that President Ramaphosa will continue to exercise without any undue pressure and in the national sovereign interests of South Africa,” Magwenya said.

Trade and investment

Ramaphosa emphasized the importance of South Africa’s relationships with other countries that strengthen the economy through trade and investment.

He said South Africa aims to create more opportunities for jobs and business growth domestically by developing these connections.

The President pointed out that upcoming events, such as South Africa’s hosting of the South Africa-European Union Summit in 2025, in line with the country’s G20 presidency, are important moments to strengthen these partnerships.

“The summit will further strengthen the existing partnership with the European Union. “South Africa will continue to work to strengthen strategic, commercial and political bilateral relations with key partners, including the People’s Republic of China, the United States, Germany, Japan, India and others.”

Ramaphosa said that in line with its foreign policy objectives, South Africa remains committed to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Ramaphosa emphasized that the AfCFTA aims to reduce trade barriers across the continent, promote economic integration and promote prosperity for all African countries.

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