The Democratic Alliance (DA) has once again caused a stir in the presidency by making public proposals on how the government should approach South Africa’s upcoming G20 presidency. This move has escalated tensions over foreign policy between the two major parties in the ruling coalition.
Ryan Smith, the DA’s deputy spokesperson on international relations, released a statement suggesting that the inter-ministerial committee (IMC) on the G20 should be the “government of national unity’s foreign policy engine room.” The committee consists of 21 ministers, including four from the DA, such as party leader and Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen.
Smith acknowledged that the groundwork for the G20 presidency began before the unity government was formed, but he emphasized that all future activities should be a product of the government of national unity. He called for the IMC to be elevated to develop and ratify foreign policy in conjunction with the G20 theme.
The DA has been increasingly vocal about recalibrating foreign policy to align with its views, particularly on issues such as Russia and Israel. Smith highlighted the need for a more inclusive representation of South African society in international engagements, reflecting the plurality of voices within the national government.
In a seven-page letter sent to President Cyril Ramaphosa, Smith outlined the DA’s concerns and proposals regarding the G20 presidency. However, the letter had not reached Ramaphosa’s desk at the time of publication, with the presidency dismissing it as a publicity stunt.
Ramaphosa’s spokesperson, Vincent Magweyna, criticized the DA’s approach, calling it an overreach and a continuous attempt to contest the president’s authority. He suggested that the DA should have raised their proposals directly with the president or relevant ministers instead of resorting to a publicity stunt.
The ANC has pushed back against the DA’s demands, arguing that foreign policy should not be ring-fenced from coalition partners. The parties have been at odds over various policy issues, including health, education, and now foreign relations, leading to further strains in their relationship.
The foreign policy dispute between the DA and ANC came to a head during the Brics summit in Kazan, where Steenhuisen criticized Ramaphosa for referring to Russia as a “valuable friend and ally.” This criticism sparked debate about South Africa’s relationship with Moscow and the need for consensus within the coalition on foreign policy decisions.
Overall, the DA’s proposals on overhauling South Africa’s approach to the G20 presidency have sparked controversy and highlighted the ongoing tensions between the ruling coalition parties. As the country prepares to assume the G20 presidency, the debate over foreign policy is likely to continue as the DA seeks a more prominent role in shaping South Africa’s international engagements. The recent dispute between the Democratic Alliance (DA) and the African National Congress (ANC) over the relocation of Taiwan’s liaison office from Pretoria to Johannesburg has highlighted tensions within the coalition government. Magwenya, speaking on behalf of the clearing house established to resolve coalition disputes, has made it clear that the DA’s objections will not be entertained.
According to Magwenya, the clearing house cannot be bogged down by what he referred to as “daily DA tantrums.” The DA’s insistence on challenging the Department of International Relations’ demand regarding the relocation of Taiwan’s liaison office has raised concerns about the stability of the coalition government.
President Ramaphosa and International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola have not directly addressed the issue with the DA, but sources close to both have expressed worries about the potential impact on South Africa’s political agenda for the G20 presidency. The government aims to use the G20 engagements to garner support for its stance on reforming multi-lateral institutions, starting with the United Nations Security Council.
During a recent address to the National Council of Provinces, Ramaphosa emphasized the importance of amplifying the voice of the Global South during the G20 presidency. The DA, on the other hand, has suggested that South Africa should focus on reforming African multilateral institutions to promote democracy and development on the continent.
In response to the DA’s stance, senior government sources have criticized the party’s approach as condescending. They have reaffirmed the ANC’s position that foreign policy is non-negotiable and will not be revised to appease coalition partners.
As tensions continue to simmer within the coalition government, it remains to be seen how the dispute over Taiwan’s liaison office will be resolved. The DA’s objections have underscored the challenges of governing within a coalition framework, particularly when it comes to sensitive issues like foreign policy.
