President Cyril Ramaphosa
By Karabo Marifi
President Cyril Ramaphosa is launching a diplomatic outreach campaign, sending special envoys across Africa and the world to explain South Africa’s foreign policy stance and objectives during its G20 presidency. This marks a strategic shift in how the country engages with global and regional partners, particularly in response to recent geopolitical tensions involving the United States, the war in Ukraine, and South Africa’s military role in Africa.
In a departure from previous State of the Nation Addresses (SONAs), Ramaphosa placed significant emphasis on international relations, outlining the country’s position on key global issues and reaffirming its commitment to human rights, peace, and fair trade.
Ramaphosa’s Foreign Policy Shift in SONA 2025
Traditionally, SONAs focus on domestic policies, economic growth, and social challenges. However, Ramaphosa’s 2025 address reflected a stronger international dimension, driven by mounting diplomatic and economic challenges.
During his speech, Ramaphosa underscored the importance of South Africa’s engagement in global affairs, stating:
“The key pillars of our foreign policy remain the promotion of human rights, peace and friendship, and the strengthening of fair trade and investment ties with other countries.”This shift comes as South Africa assumes the G20 presidency, an opportunity for the country to shape global economic and political discussions while advancing Africa’s interests on trade, development, and security.
Ramaphosa also used his address to directly respond to criticism from the United States, particularly accusations from US President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who falsely claimed that South Africa was engaged in land grabs.
“We are, as South Africans, a resilient people, and we will not be bullied. And we will speak with one voice in defence of our national interests, our sovereignty, and our constitutional democracy.”trategic Diplomatic Engagement: Envoys to Key Global Players
As part of this diplomatic offensive, Ramaphosa’s envoys will engage with:
• African nations, focusing on trade partnerships, peacekeeping efforts, and continental security.
• Global South allies, including BRICS nations such as China, Russia, India, and Brazil.
• Western partners, to address concerns about trade, investment, and political cooperation.
• Conflict regions, including the Middle East and Eastern Europe, where South Africa has taken a firm stance on peace and human rights.
According to official sources, these special envoys will serve as South Africa’s direct representatives, providing clarity on policies and countering misinformation about the country’s position on land, security, and economic transformation.
South Africa’s Key Foreign Policy Priorities in 2025
- G20 Presidency: Driving Africa’s Global Agenda
As the first African country to preside over the G20, South Africa sees this role as a historic opportunity to place Africa’s economic and development issues at the centre of global decision-making.
Ramaphosa’s diplomatic team will advocate for:
• Debt relief for African nations.
• Increased trade opportunities for African economies.
• Greater representation of developing nations in global financial institutions like the IMF and World Bank.
The President is expected to push for a stronger African voice in global affairs, particularly as the African Union (AU) recently became a permanent member of the G20 bloc.
- Tensions with the United States and Western Nations
South Africa’s relations with the US have been tense, particularly following accusations from Trump and Rubio about land grabs—claims widely debunked by independent analysts.
Washington’s hostile rhetoric has raised concerns about US-South Africa trade relations, with speculation over the future of AGOA (African Growth and Opportunity Act), which provides duty-free trade benefits for South African exports.
By sending envoys, Ramaphosa aims to stabilise relations while ensuring that South Africa does not bow to external pressure that undermines its domestic policies.
- South Africa’s Military Role in Africa
The deaths of 14 South African soldiers in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) during a peacekeeping mission have reignited debates about South Africa’s involvement in regional security efforts.
Ramaphosa defended the deployment, stating that South Africa has a responsibility to promote stability in Africa. However, critics, including opposition leader Herman Mashaba, have demanded the return of SANDF troops to focus on domestic security.
Envoys will be tasked with explaining South Africa’s military engagements, particularly in conflict zones like the DRC and Mozambique, and ensuring that regional allies remain supportive of these efforts.
- Palestine and the Middle East
South Africa has maintained a strong pro-Palestine stance, supporting diplomatic and legal action against Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories.
Ramaphosa reiterated this position, stating that:
“We will continue to stand for justice, human rights, and the rights of oppressed people worldwide, including the Palestinian people.”This stance has strengthened South Africa’s ties with countries in the Global South, particularly in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, but has drawn criticism from Western allies.
- War in Ukraine and Relations with Russia
South Africa has maintained a neutral stance on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, refusing to align itself with Western sanctions against Moscow.
Ramaphosa has instead called for a negotiated peace settlement, a position that some Western nations have viewed as too lenient on Russia.
Envoys will seek to clarify South Africa’s diplomatic approach, ensuring that relations with both Russia and Ukraine remain balanced while upholding South Africa’s non-aligned policy.
Global Reactions to South Africa’s New Diplomatic Strategy
While some international observers have welcomed South Africa’s proactive diplomatic approach, others see it as a response to increasing international pressure.
• China and Russia are expected to support South Africa’s stance, particularly its focus on Global South cooperation.
• Western nations may see this as an attempt to counteract diplomatic fallout from strained relations with the US and Europe.
• African nations are likely to welcome South Africa’s focus on economic development and trade partnerships.
However, political analysts warn that Ramaphosa’s diplomatic outreach must be backed by concrete actions, particularly regarding trade agreements, security cooperation, and investment commitments.
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