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In light of increased tensions between the United States of America and South Africa, the Democratic Alliance (DA) has called for a formal review of foreign policy at the cabinet level. This includes the adoption of a consensus-based approach to the appointment of Ambassadors.

The ANC, a 39% party, no longer enjoy an outright majority and are no longer at liberty to single-handedly determine South Africa’s foreign policy agenda without consulting their partners in government.

Section 231 (1) of the Constitution is clear that the negotiation and signing of all international agreements is the responsibility of the National Executive, in other words - the multiparty Cabinet, established and regulated in terms of the Government of National Unity’s founding Statement of Intent.

Specifically, sections 18 – 19.3 of the Statement of Intent specifies that decisions taken by the National Executive (Cabinet) must be taken on the basis of ‘sufficient consensus’:

18. The GNU shall take decisions in accordance with the established practice of consensus. Where no consensus is possible, the principle of sufficient consensus shall apply.
19. Sufficient consensus exists when;
• 19.1 All parties have had the opportunity to express their views;
• 19.2 Despite reasonable attempts to resolve disagreements, and find common ground, there is no general consensus;
• 19.3 Parties to the GNU representing 60% of seats in the National Assembly agree.

In light of the critical need to grow our economy and create jobs, South Africa’s foreign policy must now be driven by an unwavering commitment to our Country’s domestic growth, rather than being dictated by the African National Congress’s historical and fraternal allegiances.

Under the Government of National Unity, South Africa’s embassies across the world must now be staffed by suitably qualified and appropriately trained professionals, capable of appropriately and impartially representing our miracle democracy.

Issued by Emma Louise Powell MP - DA Spokesperson on International Relations & Cooperation