Cape Town – Democratic Alliance (DA) has confirmed a recent visit to Washington, where its delegation engaged with key US officials amid strained diplomatic ties.
The DA disclosed that party members met with decision-makers in Congress, the State Department, and the White House to strengthen bilateral relations between South Africa and the US.
The delegation included DA Eastern Cape leader Andrew Whitfield and MP Emma Powell, the party’s spokesperson on foreign affairs.
Powell said that the visit aimed to provide “accurate, fact-based information” about South Africa’s domestic landscape and foreign policy approach.
She emphasised the need to maintain strong diplomatic ties, citing recent tensions fueled by what the DA termed “unnecessary provocations”.
“During the visit, the DA engaged with key decision-makers across Congress, the State Departnemtn, and the White House. These discussions were aimed at ensuring that US leaders receive accurate and fact-based information regarding South Africa’s domestic landscape and the challenges our nation is currently navigating,” Powell said in a statement.
Democratic Alliance statement released today says it has concluded a week-long visit to USA. Appears their delegation was in Washington while the Afriforum Solidarity visit was ongoing.
More details in their statement here 👇🏽#sabcnews pic.twitter.com/yJRvq2ZGce
— Sherwin Bryce-Pease (@sherwiebp) March 5, 2025
She added: “It was clear from discussions that much work must be done to rebuild bilateral trust. The DA has consistently called for a comprehensive reform of South Africa’s foreign policy agenda and the consistent application of our policy of non-alignment in advancing our national interest.”
However, Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) spokesperson Chrispin Phiri criticised the trip, saying that “representing South Africa’s foreign policy is the preserve of the executive”.
“The DA is not a state actor so it’s not accurate that they present the government…The Constitution is very clear on where foreign policy resides. It’s within the remit of the executive. It is not within the remits of Parliamentarians or opposition parties,” IOL quoted Phiri as saying.<
The Democratic Alliance has concluded a week-long working visit to Washington DC. It says the aim was to stabilise diplomatic relations between South Africa and the United States. But, the delegation did not have the blessing of the government of national unity or international… pic.twitter.com/Vj8buGNkHM
— eNCA (@eNCA) March 6, 2025
According to Times Live, Phiri said that maintaining a nonaligned position and prioritising South Africa’s national interest are fundamental aspects of the country’s foreign policy.
“South Africa’s nation-building project cannot survive and flourish if the majority of our citizens remain in abject poverty, without land, without tangible prospects for a better life. Attacking poverty and deprivation remains our priority, not racial segregation or even racial supremacy,” he said, as per the report.
“Our nation’s constitution places a strong emphasis on socioeconomic rights. This imposes a duty to redress past wrongs and improve the quality of life of all South Africans.”
The visit follows lobbying efforts by AfriForum and Solidarity in Washington, which the government accused of sowing division and influencing US policy decisions against South Africa.
The DA insists its efforts are focused on maintaining a mutually beneficial trade and investment relationship with the US.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
