South Africa’s ruling party, the African National Congress (ANC), has recently clarified its stance on the perception that the country is “anti-America.” This statement comes in response to growing concerns and critiques, particularly from American officials and some media outlets, that South Africa’s foreign policy may be too critical of the United States or too aligned with countries such as Russia and China. The ANC has categorically rejected the notion that South Africa is hostile or adversarial toward the U.S., stressing that its foreign policy is based on principles of non-alignment, diplomacy, and mutual respect for sovereignty.
The ANC, which has been in power in South Africa since the end of apartheid in 1994, has long championed a foreign policy rooted in the values of peace, development, and human rights. While it maintains a historically strong relationship with the United States, particularly in areas like trade, education, and security cooperation, the ANC has sought to carve out an independent role for South Africa in global affairs. This independent stance has sometimes led to differences of opinion with the U.S. on key issues such as the ongoing war in Ukraine, economic sanctions, and the role of Western powers in global governance.
One of the main points of contention that has contributed to perceptions of South Africa’s growing alignment with Russia and China is the country’s position on the war in Ukraine. South Africa has refrained from condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, instead calling for dialogue and a peaceful resolution to the conflict. This position has drawn criticism from the U.S., which has led efforts in Western countries to isolate Russia diplomatically and economically. However, the ANC maintains that South Africa’s stance is consistent with its long-standing policy of neutrality in global conflicts and its commitment to seeking peaceful solutions to international crises.
Moreover, South Africa’s engagement with the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) bloc has further fueled perceptions of a shift away from the U.S. and Western powers. The ANC, however, insists that its participation in BRICS is aimed at promoting multipolarity in global affairs, ensuring that the voices of emerging economies are heard in international decision-making forums, and advocating for reform of institutions like the United Nations Security Council.
In conclusion, the ANC’s assertion that South Africa is not “anti-America” reflects its commitment to maintaining a balanced and independent foreign policy. While disagreements with the U.S. on certain global issues persist, the ANC emphasizes that South Africa’s diplomatic approach is grounded in respect, dialogue, and the pursuit of peace and development for all nations.
