Mr Ronald Lamola, MP
Minister of International Relations and Cooperation
Private Bag X152
Pretoria
0001

Dear Minister Lamola

Government of National Unity international relations and South Africa’s independence from undue international influence irrespective from whence it comes

1. I am addressing this matter with the Government of National Unity through your esteemed office.

2. Recent media reports have surfaced alleging that the South African government unilaterally requested Taiwan to relocate its de facto embassy from Pretoria, supposedly due to pressure from China. This development raises concerns about external influence on our foreign policy.

3. South Africa has a proud history of resisting foreign interference. We recall, for instance, when the late President Nelson Mandela firmly responded to criticisms of our friendship with Fidel Castro, reminding the United States to respect our sovereign decisions. Even former President Thabo Mbeki, followed in Nelson Mandela’s footsteps with respect to safeguarding our sovereignty. South Africa, having overcome the shackles of colonial oppression, must not allow new global powers, regardless of their economic partnerships, to dictate our foreign policy choices.

4. Another related example is the incident in May 2023, when the United States ambassador, Mr Reuben Brigety, accused South Africa of covertly supplying arms to Russia. Despite the gravity of the accusation, it appeared to have passed without significant consequence. Mr Brigety was, as far as we are aware, found wanting where the accusations were concerned, and he had not followed diplomatic protocol thus undermining our sovereignty.

5. The United Democratic Movement firmly believes that South Africa’s sovereignty and diplomatic integrity must remain at the core of our international relations, free from undue foreign influence.

6. We herewith request that you take us and the Nation into confidence regarding what exactly the decision on the Taipei Liaison Office encompassed and how it was brought about, as well as an update on the consequences for Mr Brigety’s actions.

7. Thank you for your attention to these critical matters.

Yours sincerely

Mr Nqabayomzi Kwankwa, MP
UDM Deputy President and Party Leader in Parliament