In a bold declaration of the Umkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) foreign policy ambitions, secretary general Floyd Shivambu has unequivocally stated the need for South Africa to pivot towards the Global South to strengthen its international relations.
During an enlightening interview with Newzroom Afrika, Shivambu underscored the pivotal role nations like Russia, China, India, Brazil, and the United Arab Emirates play in reshaping the global economic landscape, advocating for a decisive break from Western dominance.
Shivambu noted the burgeoning economic value of the BRICS+ bloc, which he claims now exceeds that of the G7 in terms of market size and population.
“South Africa must not be too dependent on the colonial West,” he urged, pointing out the risk associated with relying on countries that, according to him, pursue “neo-colonial aspirations” through trade and aid.
His remarks spotlight a concerning perception of the United States, which he accused of trying to dictate policy to its allies while wielding trade as a tool of coercion.
He also pointed to the potential economic isolation South Africa could face under the US President Donald Trump's administration, particularly for the white minority, who benefit from the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) trade agreement.
In addition, he dismissed claims of a genocide against South Africa’s white population as “utter rubbish,” stressing that the real consequences of such isolation would be felt by South African workers and global corporations involved in manufacturing and trade.
Despite his criticism of US policies, Shivambu acknowledged some of the positive aspects of Trump's foreign policy, particularly his stance on the Ukraine-Russia conflict and his rejection of Western-imposed environmental agendas that threaten South Africa’s energy security.
However, he was quick to clarify that this did not translate into support for Trump or the broader American imperialist agenda.
“We do not associate with the manner in which the US approaches the Israeli Palestinian conflict, and we condemn its imperialist actions,” Shivambu said.
“But if there are areas where relationships can be beneficial, we will engage, while always prioritising South Africa’s sovereignty.”
Shivambu emphasised that the MKP remains committed to a foreign policy that prioritises South Africa’s interests and sovereignty, rejecting any form of influence or coercion from former colonial powers.
He called on the South African government to strengthen its engagements with BRICS+ countries to establish more balanced and sustainable trade relations that reduce dependence on the US or Western powers.
hope.ntanzi@iol.co.za