Note to Editors: The following speech was delivered today by BOSA Leader, Dr Mmusi Maimane MP, in Parliament’s debate on South Africa’s response to the Middle East conflict.
Honourable Speaker,
Today we sit for this urgent debate on South Africa’s response to the escalating conflict in the Middle East, a matter with far-reaching ramifications for our country and the global order.
More than sixty years ago, in Accra, Kwame Nkrumah declared: “We face neither East nor West; we face forward.” It was a statement born out of liberation, but also out of wisdom.
Having led Ghana to become the first liberated country on the continent just three years prior, Nkrumah’s words served as not only a visionary clarion call but a cautionary warning to leaders both then and now to become self-sufficient and not dependent on world powers – whether from the East or the West.
In that light, what guides our foreign policy should by human rights and trade – not “East v West”.
On human rights, we have a human rights-based constitution which should be our north star in engaging outside our boarders.
It therefore cannot be that support countries that have atrocious human rights records. That is non-negotiable.
On trade, South Africa’s trade with the United States exceeds $20 billion annually, while AGOA-related exports alone support more than $3.5 billion in economic activity.
Is it in the best interests of citizens and the economy to actively jeopardise that?
There are no permanent friends in international relations, only permanent interests. And ours must always be the interests of the people of South Africa.
Our interests in trade and in advancing human rights should guide all we do on the international stage. Not old alliances and left v right global polarisation.
We are not a client state. We are a sovereign nation. And sovereignty demands independence of thought and consistency of principle.
Honourable Members,
This debate is not about choosing between global powers. Too often, in moments such as this, this House divides itself into opposing camps.
But both positions fall short of leadership. This is not about Iran or about the United States. It is found in standing firmly on values.
Those who occupy the centre must not be timid. We must stand up and stand for South Africa’s interests.
Speaker,
This debate must focus our attention on three responsibilities.
Firstly, the safety of South Africans in the Middle East.
At this very moment, South Africans remain in a region of escalating tension and uncertainty. For them, it is a climate of fear and disruption
The responsibility of the South African state is to ensure their safety, to secure their return, and to communicate to them with clarity and urgency.
This House must exercise its oversight role with seriousness. We must ensure that evacuation plans are credible, that consular services are responsive, and that no South African is left behind due to indecision or inefficiency.
Secondly, the economic consequences at home will hit the pockets of every South African.
This conflict will not remain confined to the Middle East. It will travel – through energy markets, through supply chains, and into the daily lives of South Africans.
When global instability rises, fuel prices rise. When fuel prices rise, transport costs increase. And when transport costs increase, the cost of food follows.
South Africa is a net importer of crude oil, which means our domestic prices are directly exposed to global oil markets and the strength of the Rand against the US Dollar.
As of this week, brent crude oil is trading at over $103 per barrel, following a sharp daily increase. At the same time, the Rand has weakened to around R16.73 to the Dollar, making every litre of imported fuel more expensive before it even reaches our shores.
The consequence of this double squeeze is now unavoidable. Forecasts point to a massive fuel price hike in April, with petrol expected to rise by more than R4 per litre, and diesel by over R7.
Honourable Speaker,
To shield citizens from this burden, I am challenging MPs in this House to reject the proposed increase in the Fuel Levy that was included in the recent Budget. The High Court has made it clear that only this House has the authority to approve or implement tax increases.
While the Minister of Finance may propose such measures, it is Parliament that holds the power to accept or reject them. We have a moral duty to protect South Africans from unjust burdens, and MPs must exercise that duty.
And finally, Speaker, we must consider and pronounce on our place in the world – and the principles that guide us.
South Africa’s voice carries weight. I want to remind us to act accordingly.
We cannot speak of international law in one instance, and ignore it in another.
We cannot condemn violence only when it suits our alliances and support it when it’s against our detractors.
Our foreign policy must be rooted in respect for international law, protection of civilians, and a commitment to peaceful resolution.
Because that is what is just and what is right.
Honourable Speaker, I wish to raise the urgent matter of South Africa’s representation in the United States. It has now been a full year without a South African ambassador in Washington, D.C. This absence hampers our ability to advance trade, attract investment, and engage in critical diplomatic dialogue.
Every day without a US ambassador weakens South Africa’s influence and interests.
The President must stop sitting on his hands and act immediately to appoint a qualified ambassador, ensuring South Africa’s voice is heard and our interests are defended.
Honourable Speaker, In closing, South Africa must resist being pulled into the chaotic orbit of global powers.
We must not drift with the tide of global rhetoric. We must stand on principle – firmly, calmly, and clearly
As Kwame Nkrumah reminded us: we are not East, we are not West – we are forward.
Forward in defending our people. Forward in protecting our economy. Forward in upholding the rule of law. And forward in being a voice for peace in a fractured world.
Let this House rise to that responsibility.
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