Question NW3585 to the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation

Reply:

South African has exercised its independent and non-aligned foreign policy position which has remained consistent and has advocated for the peaceful resolution of conflicts through dialogue and negotiation as demonstrated by South Africa’s efforts to resolve several conflicts on the continent (e.g., DRC, Burundi, Ethiopia and South Sudan/Sudan). It is unfortunate that the US chooses to interpret this position as a threat to their national security and interests i.e. the rhetoric that “you are either with us, or against us”. South Africa has always opposed violations of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of member states, which is the very reason why we have supported Palestine so staunchly, in keeping with the UN Charter. We have resisted becoming embroiled in the politics of confrontation and aggression between the traditional Cold War adversaries. This does not mean that we are indifferent to the suffering in Ukraine or anywhere else in the world. On the contrary, we are deeply concerned about the continuing conflict, the loss of lives and the deteriorating humanitarian situation. South Africa has consistently called for the urgent opening of humanitarian corridors and the provision of aid to the civilian population.

In relation to AGOA, it is most unfortunate that South Africa’s continued participation in AGOA has been weaponised by some members of the US Congress. South Africa has on several occasions acknowledged the importance of the United States as our third largest trading partner, China being first, followed by Europe.  The United States remains the largest single source of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in South Africa and is an important source of technology transfer, tourism, and skills development. South Africa values our strategic relations with the United States and is committed to strengthening these relations for mutual benefit. As a result of consistent lobbying by South Africa, the US Administration supports the hosting of the AGOA Forum in South Africa.

South Africa, through DIRCO and the DTIC, has been engaging the US Government, Congress, the US private sector and civil society on matters related to AGOA. The Special Envoys appointed by the President have made a strong case in favour of South Africa’s continued participation in AGOA. These discussions will continue at the AGOA Forum in Johannesburg with a view to advancing the African Common Position for the timeous renewal of AGOA and how to strengthen the capacity of African countries to better take advantage of the AGOA preferences. We also continue to emphasise the synergy between AGOA and the AfCFTA in the context of the continental priorities for regional integration, industrialisation, and infrastructure development. In this regard, South Africa, given its level of industrial development,  can play a central role in catalysing regional values chains in the sub-region and beyond, thus contributing to economic recovery, re-industrialisation and addressing our triple challenges of unemployment, poverty and inequality. While our continued participation in AGOA is extremely valuable to addressing the goals of our National Development Plan (NDP) and the Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan (ERRP), we cannot compromise our independent foreign policy stance.