South Africa’s economic interests were dealt a severe blow by the ANC’s decision to host a joint naval exercise with Iran, Russia and China in Simon’s Town.
This step was not neutral diplomacy, but a deliberate geopolitical signal that further alienated the country from its second-largest trading partner, the United States of America (US).
The ANC did not act in South Africa’s best interest, but in the interest of its ideological struggle comrades.
Iran’s subsequent withdrawal from the drill changes nothing: the world already got the message loud and clear. Joint planning took place, flags were hoisted, ceremonies were held and the images were broadcast globally.
Washington took the decision to review trade relations with South Africa when Iran was initially welcomed as a participant in the naval exercise.
For the US, this was a clear geopolitical signal that Pretoria is deepening its ties with America’s adversaries, and it immediately put South Africa at risk of higher tariffs, sanctions and forfeiting preferential trade.
The ANC chose Tehran over Washington, Moscow over markets, and Beijing over stability. The financial storm has finally caught up with South Africa.
The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) will call President Cyril Ramaphosa and the Minister of International Relations, Ronald Lamola, to account, while demanding that trade relations with the US and other key partners are not only restored, but also improved.
