WATCH | ANC unfazed by DA’s Washington trip as US-SA relations face strain

Nomvula Mokonyane

Cape Town – The ANC has refrained from taking a hardline stance against the DA’s week-long visit to Washington, despite it not being sanctioned by the Government of National Unity (GNU).

Speaking during an interview with SABC News, ANC first deputy secretary-general Nomvula Mokonyane dismissed any claims that the DA’s actions were a betrayal, stating that such perceptions were not necessarily true.

She emphasised that the trip would not have political implications for the unity of the GNU.

Mokonyane also clarified that the DA’s visit, while independent, was consistent with South Africa’s non-aligned foreign policy and pursuit of national interests.

“While only the DA can speak on its intentions, what should be noted from the DA statement is the restatement of our foreign policy – that of nonalignment and pursuing our national interests,” Mokonyane said.

The DA confirmed this week 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 Department, 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.

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.

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