The response follows comments by United States (US) Ambassador Brent Bozell, who suggested that SA cannot claim to be non-aligned while maintaining relations with countries viewed by Washington as adversaries.
In a statement, the department said non-alignment allows SA to engage across the global spectrum and pursue relationships that serve its national interests, without being tied to any particular bloc.
Professor Bheki Mngomezulu, a Political Science and International Relations Expert at Nelson Mandela University, said the distinction is clear. “Non-alignment means you are not aligning yourself with either side, but it does not mean you stand back and do nothing,” Mngomezulu said.
Mngomezulu, on Friday, explained to Channel Africa that neutrality implies disengagement, while non-alignment creates space for diplomacy with multiple partners. “In this case, SA is in a position to engage both the US and countries like Iran without taking sides,” he said.
Mngomezulu said SA’s approach is not new, noting that its foreign policy has consistently prioritised diplomacy and peaceful resolution of conflicts.
He added that even as global tensions between major powers intensify, SA has maintained its stance, favouring dialogue over military intervention. “We don’t believe in responding through force; we respond diplomatically to resolve conflicts,” he said.
Mngomezulu also rejected suggestions that SA’s engagement with countries such as China or Iran represents a shift in policy. “SA enjoys political sovereignty; it can build relations based on its own interests,” Mngomezulu said.
He said strengthening trade and diplomatic ties is a strategic choice, not a sign of alignment with any one bloc.
Mngomezulu argued that non-alignment remains relevant in a multipolar global environment, even if it draws criticism. “The only time you change a policy is after careful reflection; until then, you maintain your position,” he said.
He added that while partners may disagree, SA retains the right to explain and uphold its foreign policy approach.
–ChannelAfrica–
