DA MP Emma Louise Powell has defended the party's visit to Washington, claiming it was aimed at de-escalating tensions with the US over mutual concerns.
Image: File
The recent visit by members of the Democratic Alliance (DA) to the United States (US) has sparked debate and criticism, particularly from the GOOD party and the African National Congress (ANC).
GOOD party secretary-general Brett Herron has argued that the DA's mission was not focused on advancing the national interest, but rather an attempt to retain the white vote ahead of upcoming elections.
Herron criticised the DA for relying on the talking points of right-wing groups AfriForum and Solidarity, positioning themselves against the South African government’s race-based policies without addressing the historical context of post-apartheid inequality.
Herron stated: “The party has sought to position its gambit as an attempt to understand President Trump’s problems with South Africa but more revealing about its intentions is what it hasn’t said about the visit.”
He emphasised that the DA’s actions were more about aligning with the US administration’s anti-diversity agenda than presenting an accurate picture of South Africa’s challenges.
“The visit will do nothing to advance South Africa’s interests. It was an act of poor political judgment and clumsiness,” Herron said, adding that it revealed the DA’s struggle to balance its party interests with the broader goals of the Government of National Unity (GNU).
In response to the visit, ANC Deputy Secretary-General Nomvula Mokonyane expressed strong disapproval in an interview with SABC, emphasising that the DA's trip was neither sanctioned by the ANC nor the Government of National Unity (GNU).
Mokonyane explained that the DA members had traveled "in their own personal capacity without any assertion of representing the South African government."
She emphasised that the DA did not seek permission from the ANC to represent South Africa’s interests abroad.
Mokonyane further criticised the DA’s approach to racial issues, accusing them of seeking to preserve the privileges of a minority group rather than working toward national unity.
“It confirms the fact that they are for self-interest. No one in this country, no one in the world, can actually believe that if there’s one organisation in this country that cannot be accused of promoting racial discrimination, it is the ANC,” Mokonyane said.
Addressing the DA’s collaboration with AfriForum, Mokonyane warned that their actions were undermining South Africa’s unity.
She stressed that while South Africa’s relations with the US were complex and strained under President Donald Trump, the ANC remained committed to multilateral diplomacy and protecting the country’s sovereignty. “We are quite jealous about our trade policy and trade relations no self-respecting country can actually be pushed to review its foreign policy based on national interest,” Mokonyane said.
On the DA's claims of wanting to stabilise US and South Africa relations, Mokonyane remained firm, stating, “The DA went there as a party that is not representing the interests of South Africa, but the selfish interest of the party.”
Powell emphasised that their outreach in Washington was intended to present “credible, accurate, fact-based information” about South Africa's domestic issues and engage US policymakers on how both countries could work together.
Powell further clarified: “The president’s delegation will of course go ahead. We are looking forward to hearing more about that. As the second-largest stakeholder in the GNU, we felt that in light of our significant, heightened tensions and their implications for South Africa, that it was urgent for leaders from our party to go to Washington DC.”
She insisted that the DA’s mission was not meant to undermine government efforts but rather to support the broader national interest by opening communication channels and addressing US concerns.
DA Member of Parliament (MP) Willie Aucamp also weighed in, noting: “The political stunt by uMkhonto Wesizwe (MK) in laying charges of treason against AfriForum is something South Africa can ill-afford as we navigate a turbulent and rapidly changing global political environment.”
South Africa will be profoundly affected by this, especially given the poor international positioning and policy choices over the last three decades of ANC government, he said.
He warned that such actions could harden attitudes against South Africa in the US and inflame divisions in the country.
''MK’s treason charges, which clearly have no prospect of success, will only harden attitudes against South Africa in the United States.''
Aucamp called for leadership that prioritises unity and mature diplomacy in the face of external pressures.
“Now is not the time for frivolous stunts that only inflame divisions. Now is the time for cool-headed and mature leadership that does not indulge in extremes. It is also a time for unity and open communication lines to create the conditions inside South Africa where all communities are heard, and can contribute to a stable democracy and prosperous economy.''
hope.ntanzi@iol.co.za
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