South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) national council member Kuseni Dlamini pointed out that amid immediate crises facing South Africa, it is imperative and even urgent that South Africa redefine its foreign policy role within an increasingly transactional and fragmented shifting global order.

Dlamini was speaking in Johannesburg, during a webinar hosted by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) and SAIIA focussed on South Africa’s diplomacy, where he noted that the symposium took place amid geopolitical tensions, characterised by rising conflicts, looming trade wars that threaten to disrupt global trade, and weakened multilateralism.

He said that these rapid changes added uncertainty for global governments and presented challenges for South Africa’s diplomatic positioning, particularly as it held the G20 presidency.

Dlamini highlighted that among the many challenges that characterised the geopolitical landscape South Africa faced strained relations with the US, the country it was scheduled to hand over the G20 Presidency to in December.  

Last month, the US administration announced the suspension of aid to the country’s healthcare sector, citing disagreements over land reform policies and South Africa’s legal actions against Israel at the International Court of Justice.

Dlamini noted that more recently the country had witnessed growing tensions with the expulsion of South Africa’s ambassador to US Ebrahim Rasool.

Rasool arrived in the country on Sunday, following his expulsion by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio last week, after he criticised US President Donald Trump’s Presidency.

Further, Dlamini said regionally South Africa’s peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo, which had shaped the country’s foreign policy engagements in the region since the early 2000, had been called into question.

He noted clashes between the M23 rebels and the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), which resulted in 14 SANDF soldiers losing their lives.

South Africa’s soldiers were part of the Southern African Development Community mission to the DRC in Goma, where they were ambushed by M23 rebels, who had regrouped since 2023 and were fighting against DRC forces.

“In addition to the strained relations with Kigali, there has been debate here at home regarding the effectiveness of this peacekeeping operations in the region,” he explained.

Meanwhile, Dirco Deputy Minister Alvin Botes said for many, the uncertainty of the present moment was unsettling, adding that the “retreat and erosion” of multilateralism, the resurgence of unilateralism, the conflicts across continents, and the political and economic fractures that divided the world had created an atmosphere of instability and unpredictability.

SECURITY CONCERNS AND DIPLOMATIC STRATEGIES

Botes pointed out that the impact of narrow nationalism extended beyond domestic issues, adversely affecting South Africa’s international image and relationships with countries prioritising inclusivity and social harmony.

“…as we navigate these challenges, it is crucial to tackle the underlying tensions that narrow nationalism generates, all while pushing for ideals of justice and equality for every citizen. This call for inclusivity is particularly relevant in the context of technological developments,” he said.

He noted that by ensuring that technological advancements benefitted all members of society, rather than just a privileged few, South Africa could work towards a future that prioritised inclusivity and sustainable economic growth.

This focus on equity, he said, was particularly relevant in the context of regional conflicts and transnational challenges, where nations must navigate complex societal dynamics.

Botes said conflicts often transcended national borders, creating a pressing need for collaborative diplomatic efforts among nations to address emerging security challenges effectively.

He pointed to the relationship between security concerns and diplomatic strategies, which he said underscored the necessity for countries to navigate the complex geopolitical terrain thoughtfully.

“…consequently, a nuanced understanding of transnational conflicts is essential for formulating effective security policies and diplomatic initiatives to foster lasting peace in a multifaceted global environment,” he explained.

He highlighted that proactive engagement with the EU fostered a more resilient economic framework for South Africa amid shifting global dynamics.

“By strengthening these ties, we aim to create an environment conducive to sustainable development that benefits our citizens and enhances our role as part of the regional leadership. A recent high-level delegation visit from the EU underscores South Africa’s growing diplomatic clout and the deepening of our international partnerships,” he said.

He noted that the EU’s endorsement of South Africa’s G20 Presidency bolstered the country’s global status, affirming its position as an “influential player” in multilateral discussions and decision-making processes.