DA’s US trip to ‘stabilise diplomatic relations’ irks Lamola

The DA has taken it upon itself to stabilise diplomatic relations between Washington and Pretoria, “during this period of heightened tensions”.

The party undertook a weeklong working visit to the US, arguing that the DA, a member of the ruling government of national unity, is a credible advocate for SA’s national interests on the international stage. 

The DA delegation comprised Andrew Whitfield in his capacity as DA provincial leader for the Eastern Cape and federal executive  member, and MP Emma Powell in her capacity as the party’s national spokesperson on foreign affairs.

Powell said the party had travelled to Washington and engaged with decisionmakers in Congress, the state department and White House.

“The discussions were aimed at ensuring that US leaders receive accurate and fact-based information regarding SA’s domestic landscape and the challenges our nation is navigating.”

But international relations & co-operation spokesperson Chrispin Phiri said minister Ronald Lamola had noted the DA’s visit to the US and that “representing SA’s foreign policy is the preserve of the executive”.

This development follows Afrikaans lobby groups AfriForum and Solidarity visiting Washington after the decision by US President Donald Trump to grant Afrikaners refugee status. 

The government accused the groups of sowing division in the country, which allegedly resulted in an executive order cutting US financial assistance to SA, citing Trump’s disapproval of Pretoria’s approach to land reform and the International Court of Justice case SA brought against Washington’s ally, Israel, as well as the offer to provide asylum for Afrikaners.

The DA insisted its interest lies in building a mutually beneficial bilateral relationship with the US, one of SA’s largest trade and investment partners.

According to Powell, the delegation emphasised the importance of maintaining strong communication channels between the two nations “in light of recent tensions worsened by unnecessary provocations, which come at the expense of the unity and continued economic development of our nation”.

“It was clear from discussions that much work must be done to rebuild bilateral trust. The DA has consistently called for a comprehensive reform of SA’s foreign policy agenda and the consistent application of our policy of non-alignment in advancing our national interest.”

Powell insisted that her party remains resolute in opposing the ANC’s “divisive, race-based policies and advocating for a means-based approach to addressing systemic inequality”.

Phiri said SA’s nonaligned stance and advancing its national interest remains a central pillar of its foreign policy.

“SA’s nation-building project cannot survive and flourish if the majority of our citizens remain in abject poverty, without land, without tangible prospects for a better life. Attacking poverty and deprivation remains our priority, not racial segregation or even racial supremacy,” he said. 

“Our nation’s constitution places a strong emphasis on socioeconomic rights. This imposes a duty to redress past wrongs and improve the quality of life of all South Africans.”

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