By Akani Nkuna
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation has condemned the display of National Flag by the opposition leader of uMkhonto We Sizwe (MK) Party, Jacob Zuma, during his visit to Morocco last month.
Department spokesperson Chrispin Phiri said South Africa regarded Morocco highly and respected the cordial bilateral relationship between the two countries. However, it was opposed to the country’s national symbols being displayed in visits not sanctioned by the state, saying that it undermined existing protocols.
“The use of the South African National Flag in a meeting with a member of a political party in opposition, which is a non-state actor, constitutes an abuse of existing protocol and decorum, and undermines official bilateral relations between the Republic of South Africa and the Kingdom of Morocco,” Phiri said in a statement on Wednesday.
Zuma undertook a visit to Morocco where he met that country’s Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita. He reportedly expressed support for Morocco’s autonomy plan for Western Sahara, which has been described by critics as a betrayal of the Sahrawi fight for independence.
Despite being a non-state actor, Zuma had the South African flag in full display, an act which many said was deceitful. Economic Freedom Fighters leader Julius Malema characterised it as “sell-out” position and argued that it legitimatised Morocco’s occupation of Western Sahara.
“That was a sell-out position. Now there is a manoeuvre, they are no longer emphasising their party position on Morocco. They are saying, a former head of state can visit any country and have interactions with those people,” Malema added.
“No one is questioning that; we are questioning his position and that of his party in relation to Morocco.”
Phiri noted that the government has reached out to Morocco outlining the subtle messages contained in displaying national symbols and giving the impression of official state backing.
“The government of the Republic of South Africa holds the firm view that the use of its national symbols in contexts implying official state endorsement of non-governmental engagements is inappropriate, irrespective of setting,” he added.
“In the spirit of fostering and maintaining cordial and friendly bilateral relations, and consistent with the fundamental principles of mutual respect between sovereign states and non-interference in internal affairs, South Africa respectfully encourages the government of the Kingdom of Morocco to refrain from such actions.”
During an interview with Inside Politics, MK Party spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela insisted that Zuma did not bring the flag with to Morocco when he boarded the plane.
However, he emphasised that even if it was the case, it would be justifiable given that he was a citizen and a former president of the country.
“President Zuma is a South African and a former head of state, and on top of that I think what is important is that they must also be able to shed some light when Fikile Mbalula went to Algeria taking with a picture with a leader of Algeria with the South African flag and they said nothing,” he said.
“Why is it an issue when the Moroccan government is hosting Zuma and they display the South African flag? Is he not the former head states of South Africa?”
INSIDE POLITICS