As tensions rise between Russia and Ukraine, sentiments surrounding South Africa's diplomatic stance have come to the fore.
ANC stalwart and former Umkhonto We Sizwe leader Pat Matosa has reasserted that the nation's relationship with Russia is deeply entrenched in principled values, dismissing accusations from the Democratic Alliance (DA) that the ANC is merely opportunistic in its foreign policy.
Matosa made these remarks amid growing pressure for South Africa to pivot towards supporting Ukraine instead of its historical ally, Russia.
He argued that the roots of this relationship were laid during the pre and post-Second World War eras, when the Soviet Union firmly opposed colonialism and imperialism.
“The ANC, as a liberation movement fighting against colonialism and apartheid, formed a strong, comradely relationship with the majority of the Global South, the Soviet Union, and China," Matosa emphasised.
This interconnectedness of global movements, he explained, is gaining fresh significance as the Global South emerges from marginalisation to become a key player in global geopolitics.
In a testament to this shift, Matosa pointed out that BRICS has now outpaced the G7 in global economic growth, underlining an evolving landscape where traditional power dynamics are being challenged.
“Global geopolitics is ultimately guided by national interests rather than mere sentiments," he remarked, advocating for equality among states as one of the core tenets of the BRICS alliance.
He further asserted that any rupture in ties with the Global South—led principally by China and Russia—would be tantamount to political suicide for South Africa.
Matosa's comments provide a strong rebuttal to DA criticisms, which he deems lacking in legitimate grounding. Dismissively labelling these critiques as “micro irritations,” he expressed confidence that they would not undermine the enduring ties between South Africa and Russia, a sentiment echoed by ANC leadership describing Putin as a “brother and friend” to South Africa.
Further backing Matosa's assertions, Solly Mapaila, General Secretary of the South African Communist Party (SACP), echoed support for Russia, arguing that Putin’s actions in Ukraine are defensive reactions to Western imperialism led by the United States.
Mapaila denounced criticisms against Russia as unjustified, portraying a strong alliance that resonates within both the SACP and ANC narratives.
“What is presented as aggression is fundamentally a protective stance against an encroaching imperialism,” Mapaila stated, reinforcing the historical camaraderie shared between these nations.
However, the political landscape has become increasingly complex for the ANC. Following the party's underwhelming performance in the May general elections, which saw it dip below a 50% parliamentary representation, it is now exploring coalition arrangements, notably with the DA.
However, significant opposition exists within the ANC’s ranks, as its alliance partners talk at forming coalitions with what they perceive to be an anti-black party with fundamental policy differences.
Foreign policy emerged as a critical issue in this discord, particularly when ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula rejected suggestions from the DA to mediate talks with Ukraine.
Mbalula firmly asserted that the ANC is unyielding in its commitment to engage with both sides of the conflict, without the DA's interference.
He dismissed DA leader John Steenhuisen's recent visit to Ukraine as mere political theatrics, underscoring that the ANC's diplomatic approach is far more nuanced.
As calls for stronger ties with Ukraine grow, the ANC grapples with maintaining its historical allegiances. Recent proposals including a visa-free agreement with Ukraine have been swiftly rebuffed by the ANC, who view the DA’s approach as an oversimplification of intricate foreign relations.
Notably, Mbalula sceptically quipped that such an agreement would only be realised “when pigs fly,” highlighting a firm stance against the DA's campaign.
The fragility of the current coalition government adds extra layers of complexity.
Analysts like Good enough Mashigo and Professor Wayne Duvenage have voiced concerns that the Government of National Unity (GNU) is more a business arrangement aimed at investor confidence than a genuine pursuit of political stability.
Duvenage highlights dangers of internal dissent surrounding key legislation such as the Bela bill, warning that improper implementation could jeopardise the very existence of the GNU.
A looming question marks the potential visit of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to South Africa, as bilateral relations await precarious balancing acts. Predictions suggest that as the G20 Summit approaches, the ANC may have to navigate the delicate dance between historical relationships with Russia and growing demands from Ukraine.
The Star