South Africa cannot allow China to determine its foreign policy

21 October 2024

The fact that South Africa instructed Taiwan to relocate its "embassy" from Pretoria to Johannesburg and to run it as a trade office proves that the ANC is unashamedly allowing China to pull the strings when it comes to foreign policy.

The ANC took this decision without consulting its partners in the Government of National Unity (GNU) and the FF Plus will insist that the matter be reconsidered.

The matter is much more serious than it appears at first glance and comes down to the ANC sacrificing South Africa's autonomy under pressure from China.

President Cyril Ramaphosa cannot hold up a facade to the world saying that the GNU is a "miracle" while back home he treats his partners in government with contempt.

China may be South Africa's biggest trade partner, but the South African government should note that, according to media reports, imports and exports between it and Taiwan amounted to approximately 900 million dollar (nearly R16 billion) over the last year.

It represents numerous job opportunities, and South Africa may very well be the biggest loser should Taiwan decide to sever its trade ties with the country.

Besides Taiwan's ties with the previous dispensation, the country has not given South Africa any reason in thirty years for this slap in the face.

The GNU should do all it can to grow the economy and create job opportunities, but this decision will lead to a loss of job opportunities.

Issued by Pieter Groenewald, FF Plus leader, 21 October 2024