Examining South African Political Parties’ Foreign Policies Ahead of Elections.
(ANC and COSATU on the National May Day Rally held at Athlone Stadium, Cape Town.)
As the sun sets on May 29, 2024, South Africa will witness a momentous event, the general elections. Each political party has meticulously crafted its manifesto, a blueprint that outlines its vision for the nation. My diligent perusal of these manifestos, with a keen eye on foreign policy, has revealed intriguing nuances. In this succinct article, we shall dissect the stances and approaches adopted by these parties in navigating the complex web of global policies.
ANC the ruling party has always been branding itself as a leftist African party. Their policies aren't shocking given their record. And their policies are to strengthen the African Continental Free Trade Area, solidarity and internationalism with the people of Palestine, Western Sahara, Cuba and others, try to balance support for regional integration and free movement of people protocols with tighter migration laws.
EFF the Marxist leftist political party has always been consistent on its global stances so their manifesto laid their positions well, it supports Russia in the Russo-Ukraine war, it has also stated it will never support a body that enjoys protection from the United States of America. It also advocates for the removal of all foreign military bases on African soil, such as USAFRICOM.
Also their solidarity for Palestine is well known as they support an independent Palestine State with East Jerusalem as its capital.
(EFF leaders and supporters marching at the Israeli Embassy in Pretoria)
EFF also advocates for the signing of the AU Free Movement of People Agreement by all African States and for the implementation of the African Passport.
It will reiterate support for the holding of a free, fair, and impartial referendum on self-determination for the people of Western Sahara. It is also against the absolute monarchy in Eswatini.
Rise Mzansi a party led by Songezo Bibi has set out their policies as to make South Africa as human rights-centred as a moral example a kind of soft power, to support global governance reforms, focus on economic diplomacy, to advance Africa’s development
Freedom Front Plus a party that is mostly made up with whites who are Afrikaans-speaking. It proposes a two-state solution is for Israel and Palestine. It claims that it is after all, irrational to advocate self- determination for Palestinians but not for Israelis. It is against keeping illegitimate governments in power via diplomatic or military influence. FF Plus also insists South Africa’s international relations should no longer be influenced by the countries that loyally supported the ANC before 1994.
Action SA a party led by Herman Mashaba has promised to slash the cabinet but since we are discussing their foreign policy let us stick to that. Their policies are as follows,that foreign direct investment is necessary for growing the economy. In brief their whole international policy is guided on attracting investment
Good Party a party found by Patricia de Lille. The party is committed to social,economic,spatial and environmental justice. A liberal leftist party you would say. So what does their foreign policy say. Their policies are as follows; supporting reform of the global UN Security Council, IMF and World Bank, aligned with the Global South, forthright on support for Palestine and a two-state solution.
UDM party led by Bantu Holomisa. Its called United Democratic Movement. I visited their website I saw a statement written by its title as follows,“UDM welcomes ICJ ruling on Israel Government Military Offensive in Rafah, Gaza”. After seeing that statement written by Yongama Zigebe its Secretary General I knew the party is in touch with global affairs. So here are UDM's global policies; must be subservient to the national interest of South Africa, be independent; retain the moral high ground in international conflict resolution, advance African initiatives.
MK party led by Jacob Zuma has shaped its foreign policy as a typical leftist party. These are some of their global policies, to withdraw from the International Criminal Court,to support an Africa-first global policy,support regional development, work more with BRICS countries by exploring alternative currencies and international settlement schemes also by fostering trade and research. Also stand with Russia and support Cuba and Palestine.
ACDP party led by Rev. Kenneth Meshoe stands for Christian principles, family values and free-market economy. I would call it conservative in an European point of view. So their foreign policy is re-establishing full diplomatic relations with Israel, move the South African Embassy to Jerusalem, and given the recent horrific terrorist attack on Israel and the broader ongoing conflict, work towards finding lasting peace in the Middle East, while ensuring that Israel’s security and right to defend itself is not compromised
(A MP from ACDP Maria Sukers in an Israeli Peace Mission organised by South African Friends of Israel visited Israel)
Al Jama-ah party is a political party that has grown out of the Muslim community in South Africa. It supports Palestine. Another issue is that they are against polarising and balkanising movements that threaten national unity such as Capexit in the Western Cape.
My view is that foreign policy has been prioritized by most political parties but not all. After having a look on foreign policies from the parties’ manifestos it is obvius that most political parties are internationalists and lean on leftism. In summary there is principled approach to global affairs among political parties in South Africa. Other political parties in Africa can learn a thing or two from them.