DIRCO
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) has formally expressed disapproval to Morocco over its use of South African national symbols during former President Jacob Zuma’s recent visit to Rabat. This protest underscores Pretoria’s concern that the event conveyed an unintended impression of official state endorsement, contradicting South Africa’s longstanding foreign policy, especially on Western Sahara.
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DIRCO Lodges Formal Protest Over Misuse of National Symbols
On 6 August 2025, DIRCO issued a firm communication stating that while Morocco may invite individuals at its discretion, using South African flags and emblems during Zuma’s meeting with Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita gave a misleading impression of state involvement. Spokesperson Chrispin Phiri explained: “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 the portrayal “cannot be recognised as an official bilateral meeting” .
DIRCO confirmed that its objection was directly conveyed to Moroccan Foreign Affairs Minister Bourita, and reiterated that Zuma’s visit as MK Party leader does not constitute formal government representation .
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Zuma’s Visit Contradicts South Africa’s Position on Western Sahara
Zuma’s visit—linked to his MK Party—further fuelled controversy when he expressed support for Morocco’s autonomy plan over Western Sahara, straying sharply from South Africa’s position favouring the Sahrawi people’s right to self-determination via a UN‑led referendum . This stance directly contradicted South Africa’s history of recognising the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR) and supporting decolonisation, a policy spanning several post‑apartheid administrations .
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ANC Demands Morocco Apologise; Zuma Branded a ‘Sell‑Out’
The African National Congress (ANC) reacted swiftly. On 19 July 2025, the party condemned the misuse of the national flag, calling it a “provocative act” that undermines national sovereignty and demanded an official apology from Morocco . Secretary‑General Fikile Mbalula labelled Zuma a “sell‑out” for supporting Morocco in the Western Sahara dispute, accusing him of betraying South Africa’s anti‑colonial legacy .
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Historical and Diplomatic Implications
The episode has diplomatic and symbolic implications. South Africa first recognised SADR and established formal relations in 2004, under President Thabo Mbeki, aligning with the African Union’s decolonisation agenda . Morocco’s reentry into AU in 2017, amidst pressure to shift support, challenged this alignment. Zuma’s endorsement of Morocco now represents a sharp reversal of that long‑standing policy  .
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What This Means for South Africa–Morocco Relations
DIRCO’s protest seeks to reaffirm that diplomats—not political opposition leaders—are authorised to represent state positions internationally. Zuma’s reception in Rabat, framed with national symbols, risked blurring the lines between public office and political partisanship. South Africa’s foreign minister made clear: national symbols must not convey unofficial endorsement.
The incident threatens consistency in diplomatic messaging amid a disputed global issue. While both countries maintain economic ties, missteps like this complicate South Africa’s ability to speak authoritatively on international human rights and decolonisation matters.
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The Broader Context: Western Sahara Dispute
• Western Sahara has been under Moroccan occupation since 1975, and is widely regarded by the UN and many nations as a non‑self‑governing territory, with Polisario Front representing Sahrawi aspirations .
• South Africa has historically supported SADR, hosting its embassy in Pretoria and backing UN resolutions calling for self‑determination .
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Public and Political Reactions at Home
Within South Africa, reaction has been mixed. Zuma’s supporters welcomed his assertive shift, while opponents criticised him for betraying national values and diplomatic norms. Kamilo researchers and analysts suggest that by aligning with Morocco, Zuma may be seeking to broaden MK Party’s influence, but at cost to South Africa’s moral standing and consistency in foreign affairs.
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