Media Statements

The African National Congress (ANC) reaffirms its steadfast commitment to a foreign policy that serves the people of South Africa and advances a more just, peaceful, equitable and inclusive world. As the governing party, the ANC views international relations as a strategic lever to advance the national democratic revolution, stimulate inclusive economic development, deepen solidarity with oppressed people, and build a better Africa and a better world.

During the ANC National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, the NEC received a comprehensive report from its International Relations Sub-Committee. The discussion, which took place on the first day of the NEC meeting, focused on a contemporary scan of global dynamics, strategic challenges and emerging opportunities. The deliberations reflected the vibrant battle of ideas that defines the ANC, and were deeply rooted in our foundational principles and national interests.

Guided by Our Values, Anchored in the Freedom Charter The ANC’s international relations are not transactional—they are transformational. Since its formation in 1912, the ANC has advanced a values-based foreign policy. These values were reaffirmed in the Freedom Charter, which boldly declared: “There shall be Peace and Friendship!”. This continues to guide our work to this day.

Our foreign policy is grounded in the pillars of Pan-Africanism, anti-imperialism, international solidarity, respect for international law and human rights, non-alignment, multilateralism, and the peaceful resolution of conflict. We reject neo-colonialism, unilateralism, and all forms of domination that undermines the sovereignty and dignity of all nations.

These principles are operationalised through the ANC’s five strategic pillars: building a better Africa and world; party-to-party and multilateral relations; transformation of global governance; policy development; and global solidarity campaigns.

Building a better Africa and better world

The NEC discussions premised on the recent ANC Lekgotla, held in January 2025 and as well as previous NEC lekgotla, which outlined a number of priority areas for the advancement of the African Agenda 2063 and the building of aBetter World. The ANC recognises that the implementation of ANC foreign policy priorities take place within a very

challenging global environment as a result of the rapidly changing balance of forces and the ensuing challenges that confront South Africa.

In ensuring a better Africa, there has been commendable developments towards the silencing of the guns in line with Agenda 2063. The ANC reiterated its dedication to peaceful resolutions in conflict-affected areas, including Cabo del Gado, South Sudan, Sudan, Eritrea, Somalia, Tigray in Ethiopia, Eastern DRC, and the Sahel. It expressed concern over escalating tensions in the Horn of Africa and remains committed to ongoing peace-building processes.

We welcome the work of the SADC, in the Eastern DRC, which South Africa has been part of, and we believe there should be ongoing diplomatic engagement to find lasting peaceful solutions. The ANC will continue working with all partners within the region and the continent achieve tangible benefits continent.

The NEC noted with concern the resurgence and spreading of right-wing ideology and its adverse impact in international politics and in particular the African continent. This poses a serious risk to the global South and undermines global solidarity efforts and gives rise to the imposition of unilateralism in the international system.

These right-wing tendencies weaken the principle and practice of the sovereign equality of states.

Southern Africa faces challenges including terrorism in northern Mozambique, economic sanctions in Zimbabwe, and political instability in eSwatini, underscoring the need for regional solidarity and collective intervention.

Foreign Policy That Delivers for the People

The ANC’s 2024 Election Manifesto was clear: our foreign policy must drive inclusive growth, economic development, and job creation. Through diplomatic engagement, trade promotion, and multilateral cooperation, South Africa has strengthened its economic footprint on the African continent and beyond.

Our strategic agreements with the European Union in areas of science, technology, climate innovation, and decarbonisation have created new avenues for local industrialisation and green jobs. These engagements are unlocking investment, supporting the beneficiation of local minerals, and ensuring that the shift to a low-carbon economy is pursued in a way that protects the livelihoods and developmental interests of the majority.

South Africa’s leadership in African integration, SADC stability, and BRICS cooperation continues to open markets for our manufactured exports, enhance tourism, and grow investor confidence—directly contributing to job creation and inclusive growth.

On Global shifts, Multipolarity and Solidarity

We note the global shifts from unipolarity to multipolarity, driven by the emergence of powers like China and Russia, challenges Western dominance and offers opportunities for South-South cooperation. Rising unilateralism and the erosion of multilateral governance institutions require renewed commitment to a fair, just, and inclusive multipolar world order. We further note the litany of the executive orders from the US administration, including the return ofour ambassador. Despite this, we urge our government to continue to pursue diplomatic engagements with the US government.

The ANC condemns in the strongest terms the ongoing campaign of misinformation by local right-wing elements, who seek to distort reality, incite racial tensions, and falsely claim a so-called “white genocide” in South Africa. This dangerous and racially charged rhetoric not only undermines our democracy but seeks to reverse the hard-won gains of a free, united, and non-racial society.

We reject their divisive politics and call on them instead to join hands with the rest of the country to build a better South Africa—one where the economic exclusion of the black majority is decisively addressed, and all who live in it work together to shape a shared, inclusive, united non-racial and non-sexist prosperous future.

BRICS represents a key initiative towards a more equitable global economic and political system, challenging established institutions and norms dominated and imposed by Western powers. Our role within BRICS and G20 promotes solidarity, equality, sustainability, equitable development, and cooperation

The ANC will prioritise solidarity campaigns supporting Western Sahara, Cuba, and Palestine, reinforcing its stance against imperialism and colonialism. The ANC supports the South African Government’s efforts to advocate for the Palestinian people including the case at ICJ against Israel’s genocidal activities in Gaza whose victims are mainly women and children, calling for a ceasefire and humanitarian corridors for aid. The ANC further calls for the unity of Palestine which will be a good foundation for a lasting peaceful solution.

A Just World Begins at Home

South Africa’s international outlook must always serve the domestic goal of transforming the lives of its people. It must attract investment, grow exports, drive skills development, and create jobs—especially for youth, women, and the historically marginalised.

The ANC remains committed to defending our sovereignty, transforming the global order, and ensuring that our foreign policy serves peace, justice, and development. The ANC’s International Relations programme for 2025 will continue to pursue these priorities with clarity and determination.

We will not retreat in the face of pressure. We will not bend to misinformation. We will stand for peace, dignity, and a better world—because that is the ANC’s historic mission.

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