In Conversation With Goodenough Mashego-political analyst
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ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula has reiterated the party’s commitment to defending South Africa’s sovereignty amid growing tensions with the United States, signalling a firm stance against what the party views as external pressure on the country’s domestic and foreign policy positions.
This comes within a broader context of strained relations between South Africa and the US, with disagreements spanning trade, foreign policy alignment, and contested narratives about South Africa’s internal affairs. In recent months, US criticism and actions—including tariffs and diplomatic tensions—have been interpreted by the ANC as attempts to influence or undermine South Africa’s policy direction.
Mbalula has previously described the relationship between the two countries as resembling a “cold war,” emphasising that South Africa will not be “bullied” or dictated to in its international relations.
At the core of the ANC’s position is a commitment to multilateralism and an independent foreign policy, with Africa positioned as the central pillar of its international engagements. This includes maintaining relationships with a range of global partners, even when those relationships may not align with Western interests.
This comes within a broader context of strained relations between South Africa and the US, with disagreements spanning trade, foreign policy alignment, and contested narratives about South Africa’s internal affairs. In recent months, US criticism and actions—including tariffs and diplomatic tensions—have been interpreted by the ANC as attempts to influence or undermine South Africa’s policy direction.
Mbalula has previously described the relationship between the two countries as resembling a “cold war,” emphasising that South Africa will not be “bullied” or dictated to in its international relations.
At the core of the ANC’s position is a commitment to multilateralism and an independent foreign policy, with Africa positioned as the central pillar of its international engagements. This includes maintaining relationships with a range of global partners, even when those relationships may not align with Western interests.
