DA’s Emma Powell Resigns as International Relations Spokesperson Amid Disinformation Controversy. Image: Emma Powell shared via X @powellemmaloui.
(The Post News)– Democratic Alliance (DA) Member of Parliament and spokesperson for International Relations, Emma Powell, has resigned from her position following allegations of disseminating disinformation about the South African government during a visit to the United States.
In a statement, Powell confirmed her resignation, citing both political and personal reasons for her departure after serving in the role for two years. She expressed gratitude to the DA for the opportunity to engage on a global level on matters of governance, human rights, and democratic values.
Powell stated that her commitment to upholding SA’s constitutional democracy had come at a personal cost, including threats to her safety, incidents of surveillance, and intimidation. She claimed her efforts to expose the alleged cooperation between the African National Congress (ANC) and the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) with certain authoritarian governments contributed to the pressures that led to her resignation.
“My dedication to the DA’s core principles has required me to take risks that I could not avoid. I stand by the work I did in highlighting concerns about DIRCO’s engagements with non-democratic regimes,” Powell said. She further noted her contributions to the DA’s international policy agenda and support for the Government of National Unity (GNU), emphasizing that effective leadership sometimes requires stepping down for the greater good.
The DA acknowledged Powell’s resignation and expressed appreciation for her service. DA national spokesperson Karabo Khakhau described Powell as a valuable member of the party, confirming that she would soon be assigned a new portfolio. Ryan Smith has been named as her replacement in the international relations role.
Powell’s resignation follows a controversial visit by DA representatives to Washington, D.C., in March. The trip, which included senior DA diplomats, drew criticism after it was revealed that a Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry, and Competition also participated without prior authorization from President Cyril Ramaphosa, leading to the Deputy Minister’s dismissal.
The DA maintained that the visit aimed to strengthen bilateral relations with the U.S. and provide factual information regarding South African policy, particularly surrounding the Expropriation Bill, which had attracted international attention.
Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola condemned the DA’s actions, stating that foreign policy matters are the exclusive mandate of the national government. He criticized the DA’s engagement in Washington as misleading and counterproductive to South Africa’s diplomatic efforts.
Despite the controversy, the DA reaffirmed its commitment to constructive international dialogue and emphasized its role within the GNU framework. The party reiterated that its mission in Washington was to ensure clarity on key issues affecting South Africa’s global standing.
Journalist-Kgopotso@thepostnews.net
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