The ANC has a rich history of international relations marked by progressive and pragmatic policies. During the anti-apartheid struggle, the ANC built strong alliances with various organisations in capitalist, socialist and communist countries and liberation movements across Africa and beyond. This era was notably progressive, emphasising solidarity with oppressed peoples and anti-colonial movements.
Oliver Tambo, the ANC’s longest-serving president, is renowned for shaping the ANC’s progressive internationalism and global strategies. Historian Luli Callinicos, in Oliver Tambo: Beyond the Engeli Mountains, highlights Tambo’s diplomatic skills and unwavering commitment to the liberation struggle, which isolated and ultimately led to the downfall of the apartheid regime. As South Africa transitioned to democracy, the ANC’s foreign policy remained rooted in international solidarity, progressive internationalism, nonracialism and anti-imperialism.
The ANC’s unwavering commitment to global peace, sustainable development and the promotion of human rights across Africa and the international community is testament to our values. Our dedication to mutual respect, co-operation and the pursuit of equitable solutions to global challenges guides our engagement with international partners, providing reassurance of our commitment to a better world.
South Africa has actively facilitated peace talks and sent diplomatic missions to mediate conflicts in regions such as Northern Ireland, Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Sudan. Our efforts in the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the Israeli-Palestinian war exemplify our commitment to diplomacy. South Africa initiated dialogue before many Western countries, which often took a biased stance, underscoring our dedication to impartiality and peace.
South Africa has maintained peace within the Southern African Development Community (Sadc), frequently chairing the Sadc Troika and leading mediation efforts in regional conflicts. Our involvement in resolving the political crises in the Kingdom of Lesotho and Zimbabwe has fostered regional stability.
The ANC’s 2017 national policy conference document calls for revitalising Africa and more robust engagement to achieve peace and economic development. It emphasises reinvigorating efforts to strengthen the AU, the New Partnership for Africa’s Development, the African Peer Review Mechanism and Sadc, advocating for standard policies and programmes across the continent to create a better Africa.
The upcoming elections in Sadc countries are a positive development, reflecting the region’s commitment to democratic governance and political stability. These elections allow citizens to exercise their democratic rights, strengthen institutions and foster greater accountability. South Africa, under the leadership of the ANC-led government of national unity (GNU), supports these democratic processes and is ready to offer assistance in ensuring free and fair elections. Successful elections in the region, facilitated by South Africa’s support, will contribute to political stability and socioeconomic development, reinforcing the progressive ideals that the ANC champions.
With the Labour Party’s election victory in the UK and other progressive successes in France, we are seeing a shift away from right-wing conservative policies that are anti-migrant, xenophobic and opposed to progressive ideals. The rise of these progressive forces globally presents an opportunity to shift the discourse on issues like the Israeli-Palestinian war, where one side is heavily armed. South Africa has been at the forefront of this discourse, exemplified by our recent case at the International Court of Justice to force Israel to halt its genocide.
The rise of these progressive forces globally presents an opportunity to shift the discourse on issues like the Israeli-Palestinian war, where one side is heavily armed
The rise of progressive forces can counterbalance right-wing nationalism, fostering a geopolitical environment focused on global solidarity and co-operation. Moreover, progressive forces are generally more sympathetic to migrants and refugees, which could lead to more humane immigration policies and greater international co-operation to address the root causes of displacement.
We have noted inconsistencies within the Western world regarding human rights values. For instance, there is a stark contrast between their responses to Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The ANC advocates for a just and peaceful resolution to the Israeli war in Palestine and believes the West’s responses should align with this stance.
The ANC acknowledges global injustices, including unfulfilled self-determination in Western Sahara under Morocco, the humanitarian crises in the DRC and the ongoing war in Sudan. As a nation, we must act to save lives and pursue long-term peace, coexistence and democracy abroad.
Thankfully, the geopolitical landscape is shifting towards multilateralism and progressive internationalism, fostering international co-operation. This change strengthens the progressive front, aiding in pragmatic solutions to global issues through the UN and regional organisations, with a renewed focus on human rights, to create a better world and a more unified Africa.
We will also see more progressive economic policies where governments advocate for fair trade and resist neoliberal agendas. This approach aims to foster economic growth, drive a decent work agenda and promote technological advancements through mutually beneficial partnerships.
These efforts align with President Cyril Ramaphosa’s vision, as expressed in his inauguration speech, emphasising economic growth, job creation and uplifting all citizens. This will contribute to reducing inequality, a key aspect of the sustainable development goals, and support the establishment of more equitable international trade agreements.
This shift prioritises sustainable climate change development, strengthening the Paris Agreement commitments and increasing investments in green technologies. South Africa aligns with these global efforts, aiming for net-zero emissions by 2050 and prioritising renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power.
Moreover, South Africa plans to enhance climate resilience through strategies addressing water security, food production and biodiversity conservation. As the chair of the G20 in 2025, South Africa will focus on inclusive economic growth, sustainable development and enhanced global co-operation, addressing global inequalities, promoting human rights and fostering a sustainable future for all.
We urge our GNU partners to join the ANC in its commitment to progressive internationalism shaping South Africa’s foreign policy. By advocating for multilateralism, human rights, sustainable development and equitable economic policies, we aim to build a better Africa and world.
• Bhengu is a national spokesperson of the ANC and member of its national executive committee
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