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Daily Maverick
a day ago
- Politics
- Daily Maverick
In the wake of Trump's assault on Ramaphosa, can SA and the US find a new equilibrium?
The South African delegation's decision to maintain calm, even in the face of provocation, appears to be a strategic tactic to de-escalate tensions and reset the relationship. President Cyril Ramaphosa's recent visit to Washington, DC, has offered a platform for resetting relations and exposed deep fissures in bilateral relations. The challenges of navigating a world increasingly shaped by ideological polarisation and performative politics were laid bare in the livestreamed meeting between Ramaphosa and his entourage and President Donald Trump and his staff. The meeting was anything but routine – while not descending to the level of chaos that characterised the Trump-Zelensky meeting, the American president did confront (read: ambush) Ramaphosa on claims of white genocide. A video featuring Julius Malema's trademark inflammatory rhetoric and a row of white crosses was presented as evidence of state-sanctioned violence against white farmers. Ramaphosa remained composed (looking bemused, even) and rebutted these claims, emphasising South Africa's commitment to multiparty democracy and clarifying that EFF and MK sentiment reflected a minority view and did not reflect government policy. While observers have offered a mixed interpretation, mine is that the meeting went as well as could be expected, given how acerbic American criticism of South Africa has been in the context of increasingly tense relations. The South African delegation's decision to maintain calm, even in the face of provocation, appears a strategic tactic to de-escalate tensions and reset the relationship on a firmer footing – leading with an honest assessment of the on-the-ground realities (albeit with unnecessarily graphic descriptions of crime from some in the delegation) and using a not-too-assertive approach. The logic, it seems, was to use the visit as a platform to correct misperceptions and begin a reset, without provoking further rupture. Beneath a difficult relationship While the meeting has been closely watched, the underlying deterioration in the relationship is far more complex. These are two actors with fundamentally divergent worldviews amid a failure to find common understanding at a time when a global realignment appears to be under way. On one side is a resurgent US under a Trump-led foreign policy that is transactional, nationalist and deeply sceptical of multilateralism. Trump's White House has embraced a worldview framed around selective alliances based on loyalty rather than shared values. In this context, South Africa's non-alignment – a cornerstone of its post-apartheid foreign policy – has been recast in Washington as defiance, or worse, outright hostility. Pretoria, for its part, sees itself as part of a multipolar future in which there is a more equitable seat at the table for those in the Global South. South Africa's BRICS membership, deepening ties with China and Russia, and outspoken criticism of Western dominance in global institutions are not anomalies, but features of a strategy that sees the Global South as no longer beholden to the geopolitical logic of the Cold War or unipolar American power. Ramaphosa's government has made clear that his administration's foreign policy is driven by constitutional principles, historic solidarity with anti-colonial struggles, and a desire for global equity. Washington, however, views these positions through a much narrower and increasingly ideological lens. Ramaphosa's visit was intended to highlight the country's diversity, being honest about its challenges, but reaffirming a commitment to inclusive governance, while perhaps also trying to re-explain South Africa's foreign policy outlook. He went there with a conciliatory tone, an appreciation of American contributions to the global order, and a desire to boost trade and investment, clothed as a request for help. Solid foundation for cooperation There is a solid foundation for continuing economic and political cooperation. The US is an important trading partner for South Africa, with 600 US companies active in the country, while several South African firms also invest heavily in the US. Indeed, South Africa offers a range of opportunities for US economic engagement across multiple sectors, including renewables, mineral resources, ICT, infrastructure development and agriculture. Furthermore, both nations share interests in regional stability. South Africa plays a crucial role in peacekeeping and conflict mediation efforts on the continent, particularly in southern Africa and the Great Lakes region. The US has faced a changing landscape of global influence in Africa, and partnering with Pretoria can offer it a different platform for engagement. But even shared interests have proven vulnerable to distortion in the current climate, risking being drowned out by mutual mistrust, symbolic politics and domestic pressures. While not a diplomatic breakthrough, the media spectacle of Ramaphosa's visit exposed how deeply domestic political imperatives now shape bilateral engagement. If it serves any form of substantive turning point, it is in making clear that a recalibration will require deeper diplomacy (including public diplomacy) as well as political will behind the scenes. For South Africa, the key question is whether it can pursue a principled foreign policy while maintaining strategic relationships with major powers. For the US, the challenge is to recognise that non-alignment is not hostility, and that partnership is most successful when built on mutual respect, not coercion. Essential steps Looking ahead, a few steps are essential if this relationship is to be salvaged. First, there needs to be a revival of diplomatic dialogue beyond theatrical moments. Both countries have long-standing mechanisms for bilateral engagement that should be reactivated at a senior level, with clear channels for addressing areas of tension. To this end, South Africa needs diplomatic representation that can cut past the rhetoric and get through to important figures in the Trump administration. Second, both sides must invest in the Track II relationships that have traditionally undergirded diplomacy – business partnerships, academic exchange and civil society dialogue. These are often more resilient than government-to-government relations and can provide ballast in turbulent times. Finally, there must be a recognition that the world is changing. South Africa is no longer simply a beneficiary of US aid or a passive participant in Western-led initiatives. It is a regional power with assertive diplomatic positioning and, despite having constrained and uneven power, an important voice on the international stage. That voice will not always echo Washington's, but if treated with respect, it can still be an ally. Indeed, diplomatic equilibrium does not necessarily require identical interpretations of the world, but it does require strategic maturity. Ramaphosa's visit did not mend fences, but it did force both sides to confront the new reality of their relationship. Whether this signals rupture or renewal remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: the work of diplomacy must now begin in earnest, far from the cameras and the media, and rooted in the hard, often uncomfortable, business of listening. Ramaphosa's visit underscores the importance of sustained, high-level diplomatic engagement. It is a reminder that diplomacy, though often tested, remains essential in bridging divides and fostering understanding in an increasingly fragmented world. DM
IOL News
a day ago
- Business
- IOL News
BRICS+ Series: China's Belt & Road Initiative is Advancing Ethiopia's Infrastructure
Ethiopia's strategic partnership with China under the Belt and Road Initiative exemplifies a new development model for the Global South, as it aligns with BRICS' vision of infrastructure-led growth and cooperative partnerships. A new narrative is unfolding in the Horn of Africa and it is one that defies the legacies of colonialism and reclaims Africa's right to development on its own terms. With its dynamic economy and rich history, Ethiopia has become a key player in China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). As BRICS+ expands its footprint with the joining of Ethiopia in 2024, the alignment that is between BRICS development goals and Chinese infrastructure investments is both inspiring and critical. Reimagining Development Through BRICS The BRICS bloc has always championed alternative models of development. These models challenge the conditions and ideological strings of the institutions in the Global North and emphasise sovereignty, mutual respect and practical cooperation. The BRICS framework calls for infrastructure-led development, financial independence from traditionally dominant Western lenders such as the World Bank and the IMF and equitable partnerships. Ethiopia's collaboration with China, particularly within the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), exemplifies the BRICS vision of fostering physical and digital infrastructure, strengthening South-South cooperation, and promoting industrial growth across the Global South. The BRI, therefore, extends beyond a singular Chinese endeavor, embodying the core principles of the BRICS economic partnership. The Addis Ababa-Djibouti Railway: Steel Tracks to Sovereignty One of the most symbolic projects under the BRI of China is the Addis Ababa– Djibouti railway. Completed in 2016 with Chinese engineering and financing, the 750-kilometre electrified railway that connects landlocked Ethiopia to Djibouti's Port– the lifeline for over 95% of Ethiopia's exports and imports. This railway has significantly reduced the transport time from three days to less than 12 hours, improving trade efficiency, cutting costs and reshaping the architecture of logistics within the region. Despite "debt trap" criticisms of Chinese infrastructure investments, Ethiopia's experience with the Belt and Road Initiative offers a counter-narrative. The operational Addis Ababa–Djibouti Railway serves as a crucial element in Ethiopia's economic development. Instead of defaulting, Ethiopia successfully negotiated debt restructuring with China in 2023, demonstrating a cooperative and flexible partnership unlike the strict austerity measures often imposed by Western creditors. BRICS and Ethiopia: A Symbiotic Vision Ethiopia's 2024 entry into BRICS+ offers new opportunities for funding, technology exchange, and strategic partnerships. The New Development Bank (NDB), a BRICS initiative designed as an alternative to the World Bank, is now positioned to finance increased infrastructure development in East Africa. The NDB's lending approach is specifically designed for developing nations, prioritizing sustainability and local involvement—principles often overlooked by conventional financial institutions. For Ethiopia, this is a development model that is not only tailored to its unique challenges, but is also embedded in a bigger Global South coalition. The 10 year development plan of Ethiopia– centered on energy generation, industrial parks and digital transformation– emphasises BRICS' prioritisation of inclusive and high impact development. China financing Ethiopia's Industrial Parks in Adama and Hawassa, for example, has created thousands of jobs, especially for women, and it has also linked Ethiopia into global supply chains without the risk of compromising local control. Ethiopia as a BRICS Beacon in Africa Ethiopia's increasing symbolic and strategic importance within the expanding BRICS framework is evident. As one of Africa's most populous countries, a significant diplomatic center hosting the African Union, and a rising industrial force, Ethiopia's engagement with both the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and BRICS is a conscious decision. This reflects Ethiopia's strategic preference for infrastructure-driven development, South-South partnerships, and a multipolar world order, moving away from reliance on aid and traditional neoliberal approaches. Amidst global inequality, climate instability, and geopolitical changes, the Global South, exemplified by countries like Ethiopia, is moving beyond passively receiving development aid. It is actively shaping its own path, redefining progress, and building resilience. Platforms like BRICS and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) are facilitating this shift, marking a new era of agency for Africa.A Future Built on CollaborationThe Ethiopia-China-BRICS alliance offers a compelling alternative to traditional development models in 2025. It demonstrates that development is a locally driven, negotiated process rooted in the needs of the people, rather than a uniform approach dictated by Western powers. Ethiopia's experience with the Belt and Road Initiative, especially as more Global South nations join BRICS and align with it, demonstrates that infrastructure development can be a source of liberation and that South-led development, fostered through empowering partnerships, ultimately benefits the global community. Ethiopia's experience exemplifies a BRICS-supported development model for the Global South, suggesting a broader renaissance across these nations. Written By: *Dr Iqbal Survé Past chairman of the BRICS Business Council and co-chairman of the BRICS Media Forum and the BRNN *Sesona Mdlokovana Associate at BRICS+ Consulting Group UAE & African Specialist **The Views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of Independent Media or IOL. ** MORE ARTICLES ON OUR WEBSITE ** Follow @brics_daily on X/Twitter for daily BRICS+ updates
India Gazette
2 days ago
- Politics
- India Gazette
Speaker Om Birla to lead Indian delegation to BRICS Forum in Brazil on June 3
New Delhi [India], May 30 (ANI): Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla will lead an Indian Parliamentary Delegation (IPD) to the Eleventh BRICS Parliamentary Forum to be held in Brasilia, Brazil on June 3-5 as per an official statement. The delegation will also comprise Harivansh, Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha; Surendra Singh Nagar, Member of Parliament; Vijay Baghel, Member of Parliament; Vivek Thakur, Member of Parliament; Shabari Byreddy, Member of Parliament; Utpal Kumar Singh, Secretary General, Lok Sabha; and P.C. Mody, Secretary General, Rajya Sabha. According to the release, the overall theme of the Eleventh BRICS Parliamentary Forum is 'The Role of BRICS Parliaments in Building a More Inclusive and Sustainable, Global Governance'. Presiding Officers and Members of Parliament from BRICS countries (Brasil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, United Arab Emirates, Ethiopia, Indonesia, and Iran) and invited nations-- Belarus, Bolivia, Kazakhstan, Cuba, Nigeria, Malaysia, Thailand, Uganda and Uzbekistan--along with the President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) H.E. Ms. Tulia Ackson will also participate in the Forum meetings. The Lok Sabha Speaker will address the forums on 'Inter-Parliamentary Cooperation for Responsible and Inclusive Artificial Intelligence' and 'BRICS Parliaments United for the Reform of the multilateral peace and security architecture'. According to the release, the Delegation will also participate in the proceedings during the Plenary Sessions on the sub-themes including 'BRICS Parliamentary Action in Search of New Paths for Economic Development'; 'Towards Stronger and More Durable BRICS Inter-Parliamentary Cooperation'; 'BRICS Inter-Parliamentary Alliance for Global Health'; 'BRICS Inter-Parliamentary Dialogue on Climate and Sustainability'. A Joint Statement will be adopted at the end of the Summit. The Speaker, Lok Sabha may also hold bilateral meetings with Presiding Officers of participating Parliaments on the sidelines of this Forum. (ANI)
Times of Oman
2 days ago
- Business
- Times of Oman
Speaker Om Birla to lead Indian delegation to BRICS Forum in Brazil on June 3
New Delhi: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla will lead an Indian Parliamentary Delegation (IPD) to the Eleventh BRICS Parliamentary Forum to be held in Brasilia, Brazil on June 3-5 as per an official statement. The delegation will also comprise Harivansh, Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha; Surendra Singh Nagar, Member of Parliament; Vijay Baghel, Member of Parliament; Vivek Thakur, Member of Parliament; Shabari Byreddy, Member of Parliament; Utpal Kumar Singh, Secretary General, Lok Sabha; and P.C. Mody, Secretary General, Rajya Sabha. According to the release, the overall theme of the Eleventh BRICS Parliamentary Forum is 'The Role of BRICS Parliaments in Building a More Inclusive and Sustainable, Global Governance'. Presiding Officers and Members of Parliament from BRICS countries (Brasil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, United Arab Emirates, Ethiopia, Indonesia, and Iran) and invited nations-- Belarus, Bolivia, Kazakhstan, Cuba, Nigeria, Malaysia, Thailand, Uganda and Uzbekistan--along with the President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) H.E. Ms. Tulia Ackson will also participate in the Forum meetings. The Lok Sabha Speaker will address the forums on 'Inter-Parliamentary Cooperation for Responsible and Inclusive Artificial Intelligence' and 'BRICS Parliaments United for the Reform of the multilateral peace and security architecture'. According to the release, the Delegation will also participate in the proceedings during the Plenary Sessions on the sub-themes including 'BRICS Parliamentary Action in Search of New Paths for Economic Development'; 'Towards Stronger and More Durable BRICS Inter-Parliamentary Cooperation'; 'BRICS Inter-Parliamentary Alliance for Global Health'; 'BRICS Inter-Parliamentary Dialogue on Climate and Sustainability'. A Joint Statement will be adopted at the end of the Summit. The Speaker, Lok Sabha may also hold bilateral meetings with Presiding Officers of participating Parliaments on the sidelines of this Forum.
India.com
2 days ago
- Politics
- India.com
All-Party Delegation: India Pushes South-South Trade, Reiterates Counter-Terrorism Cooperation
During the Group 7 all-party delegation visit to South Africa under the government's diplomatic outreach following Operation Sindoor, Indian MPs across party lines underlined India's commitment to countering terrorism and deepening cooperation under the BRICS framework. The delegation, led by NCP-SCP MP Supriya Sule, held a press conference highlighting the common resolve against terrorism. Additionally, AAP MP Vikramjit Singh Sahney highlighted India's focus on "South-South cooperation" and advocated for BRICS trade in local currencies, along with expanded investment through the New Development Bank to support Africa's agri-value chains and food security. Speaking at the press conference on Thursday (local time), Sahney said, "India has historic relations with South Africa and at that point of time, African National Congress (ANC) was the largest party but during this visit, our delegation had very fruitful discussions and interacted with all senior leaders of the ANC." He added, "We fully support the South-South cooperation and, as a member of the BRICS council, it was in Durban that the BRICS forum was launched in 2012. We are also looking at BRICS countries to conduct trade in local currencies. I think it is within our right to promote trade and investment, and promote, through the New Development Bank, of which India was a great supporter, to get the regional office opened in South Africa. We have laid emphasis that the BRICS Development Bank should also focus more on the agri-value chain for food security of Africa." BJP MP Anurag Thakur emphasised the global support India has received in light of repeated terror attacks. "We have been going places conveying the message of 1.4 billion Indians as we have been the victim of cross-border terrorism. The message is very loud and clear. Whatever we have been seeing from the reports that anywhere the other delegations have gone, the majority of the nations have come in favour because it is not only a threat to India but to the world," he said. BJP leader and delegation member V Muraleedharan also reiterated India's consistent and non-partisan foreign policy. He said, "India, whichever country we engage with, be it South Africa or any other country, we don't engage with a particular party in Government. We engage with the government irrespective of the party and with the people of that country." "India's relationship with South Africa is centuries old. We have been partners as people-to-people as well as in trade and economy and government-to-government. India continues to have its foreign policy which considers the interests of the international community, the global good and the rule of law. These two aspects have been kept of prime importance. We feel that the BRICS or the interests of the global south will be of paramount importance of India. We will continue to engage with South Africa as well as other partners in the same way that we have been doing." The members of the delegation comprise of MPs Supriya Sule, Rajiv Pratap Rudy, Vikramjeet Singh Sahney, Manish Tewari, Anurag Singh Thakur, Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu, Anand Sharma, former Minister of Commerce & Industry, V Muraleedharan, Former Minister of State for External Affairs, and Syed Akbaruddin, Former Permanent Representative of India to the UN. They visited Constitution Hill in Johannesburg, paid tribute at the Gandhi Statue, and viewed the Mandela-Gandhi Exhibition inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The visit comes in the backdrop of Operation Sindoor, launched by India in response to the April 22 terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam, in which 26 people, including a Nepalese national, were killed.
