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Many may have forgotten, given all that has unfolded in South Africa since the early years of our post-apartheid democracy, but significant pressure was placed on our founding President, Nelson Mandela, particularly by the US and China, regarding his stance on various issues. Each time, Mandela stood his ground, firmly asserting South Africa’s independence. This is the kind of leadership with a backbone that ActionSA believes must return if we are to shape an independent foreign policy guided by our own interests.

History shows that the Americans were famously displeased with Mandela hosting Cuban leader, Fidel Castro, Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat, and Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi at his inauguration following the historic 1994 elections. As if that was enough, the Chinese were also notably unhappy with Mandela’s decision to host the Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, in South Africa. In each instance, Mandela stood firm, reminding both the Americans and the Chinese that while he valued their friendship, it was not their place to decide South Africa’s allies.

In the spirit of Mandela, South Africa committed to respecting the sovereignty of both the Republic of China (Taiwan) and the People’s Republic of China (PRC). Mandela’s astute leadership and positioning ensured that, while recognising the complexities of the global arena, South Africa’s foreign policy would be crafted at home, guided by human rights, a spirit of global cooperation, and sovereign independence. 

It is crucial that the founding values of our Republic are restored and strengthened. No foreign power should ever be allowed to blackmail South Africa into adopting global positions that do not align with its interests, both domestically and internationally.

For these reasons, ActionSA calls on the South African government to resist all attempts by foreign powers to dictate its foreign policy.

ActionSA believes that the South African government must refrain from capitulating to any foreign power, specifically China in this instance, regarding how to treat its diplomatic guests, namely the Taiwanese. While we acknowledge the presence of many conflicting interests, our foreign policy and global positioning cannot be dictated by any foreign power wielding undue influence over us.

Issued by Lerato Ngobeni MP, ActionSA National Spokesperson