Foreign policy blow for ANC

VOICE: PARTY NO LONGER ‘HAS MONOPOLY’

- Eric Mthobeli Naki

Members of GNU have right to help shape SA’s international relations, says political analyst.

Parties in SA’s government of national unity (GNU) have a legitimate claim to shape the country’s foreign policy, given that the ANC no longer holds a sole mandate, says an independent political analyst.

“For the mere fact the ANC did not win a 50%-plus majority, foreign policy is no longer the exclusive domain of the ANC,” said Dominic Maphaka.

“Yes, the party retained the foreign affairs portfolio, but GNU partners will insist on a voice in how South Africa conducts itself abroad. Unlike other avenues in our constitutional democracy, the GNU gives them more leverage.”

Maphaka said despite the exchange of bitter words, Washington and Pretoria continue to underscore the importance of their ties.