South Africa has pushed back strongly against US criticism, insisting its foreign policy decisions remain a sovereign matter. Picture Credit: Apostille Legalisation
By Aisha Zardad
South Africa — Diplomatic tensions between South Africa and the United States have escalated following strong criticism from South African political leaders, who accuse Washington of interfering in the country’s internal affairs and adopting an increasingly confrontational tone.
The backlash follows recent remarks from US officials regarding South Africa’s foreign policy positions and domestic governance, which have drawn a firm response from senior figures within the African National Congress (ANC) and government structures.
ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula said South Africa would not be dictated to by external powers, stressing that the country’s foreign policy decisions are guided by constitutional principles and national interests.
“South Africa is a sovereign state. Our policies and international relations are not subject to approval by foreign governments,” Mbalula said.
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) has also reiterated that South Africa maintains the right to pursue an independent foreign policy, including its positions on global conflicts, trade relations and diplomatic alliances.
The dispute has unfolded against the backdrop of strained relations following the expulsion of South Africa’s former ambassador to the United States, Ebrahim Rasool, a move that has left the post vacant for several months. Government has yet to announce a permanent replacement, a delay that analysts say has complicated diplomatic engagement between the two countries.
Political analyst Professor Sipho Seepe said the absence of a permanent ambassador has contributed to growing misunderstandings and heightened rhetoric on both sides.
“When diplomatic channels are weakened, public statements tend to become sharper. This situation underscores the importance of restoring full diplomatic representation to stabilise relations,” Seepe said.
The United States remains one of South Africa’s largest trading partners, with billions of rands in bilateral trade annually and significant cooperation in areas such as health, education and security. However, tensions have increased over South Africa’s stance on international conflicts and its participation in multilateral groupings that challenge Western dominance.
DIRCO spokesperson Chrispin Phiri said South Africa values its relationship with the United States but warned against what he described as selective criticism.
“South Africa remains committed to constructive engagement with all nations. However, diplomacy must be based on mutual respect and non-interference,” Phiri said.
Within the ANC, concerns have been raised that escalating tensions could have economic consequences if not carefully managed. Party officials have nevertheless maintained that South Africa will not compromise its policy positions for economic or political pressure.
Opposition parties have urged government to prioritise diplomatic stability, warning that prolonged friction with the United States could affect investor confidence and trade relations.
Despite the sharp exchange, government officials have indicated that diplomatic engagement remains ongoing behind closed doors, and that efforts are being made to normalise relations and appoint a new ambassador to Washington.
As global geopolitical divisions deepen, South Africa’s foreign policy stance continues to attract scrutiny, placing the country at the centre of a broader debate about sovereignty, alignment and the role of emerging powers on the world stage.
