PHUTI MOSOMANE
PRESIDENT Cyril Ramaphosa has spoken about the threats faced by South Africa and other African countries due to their commitment to a non-alignment foreign policy, which has drawn the attention of major Western powers such as the United States, Britain, and France.
He made these remarks during his address at the Africa Day celebrations held at the Cradle of Humankind on Thursday.
Ramaphosa said that despite the numerous challenges faced by the continent, achieving greater economic independence hinges on Africa’s unity.
Ramaphosa also pointed out that battles over Africa’s natural resources are exacerbating conflicts, instability, and terrorism in various regions across the continent.
Moreover, certain multinational companies are engaging in unethical practices that pose risks to human health and the environment through pollution.
Instead of fostering respect for diversity, some parts of Africa are experiencing divisions being sown among communities.
“We are now also witnessing Africa being dragged into conflicts far beyond our own borders. Some countries, including our own, are being threatened with penalties for pursuing an independent foreign policy and for adopting a position of non-alignment,” he said.
He said African countries have painful memories of a time when proxy wars were waged on the soils of Africa by foreign superpowers.
“We have not forgotten the terrible, brutal legacy of first having our continent carved up and colonised by European countries, only to find ourselves once more pawns on a chessboard during the Cold War,” he said.
“We are not going back to that period in history. That is why I will say it again today.”
He said South Africa has not been, and will not be, drawn into a contest between global powers.
“We will maintain our position on the peaceful resolution of conflict wherever those conflicts occur,” he said.
South Africa’s foreign policy approach is guided by the lessons of history.
The country will continue to resist calls to abandon its independent and non-aligned foreign policy.
As Africa, the focus remains on pursing the ideals of the founding charters of the OAU and the African Union, and on giving effect to the aspirations of the AU Agenda 2063.
“Our eyes remain firmly fixed on the horizon as we work to achieve continental economic integration,” he said.
The Africa Continental Free Trade Area is a landmark achievement.
Ramaphosa said South Africa greatly encouraged by progress that is being made towards the operationalisation of the AfCFTA.
This includes the commencement of trade on a small scale in parts of East and West Africa. He said the training of small businesses is taking place on new trade portals; and moves towards the operationalisation of the $10 billion AfCFTA Adjustment Fund.
Africa Day must be used, he said to reaffirm the importance of consolidating democracy and consolidating good governance across Africa.
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