Naledi Pandor shares her insights on balancing global relations during the Mapungubwe Lecture, highlighting South Africa’s vision for a fair and inclusive international order. Image: BusinessLIVE.
(The Post News)– Dr. Naledi Pandor emphasized that South Africa remains committed to maintaining strong ties with Washington while safeguarding its independence in foreign policy.
The former International Relations and Cooperation Minister, Pandor, delivered a powerful address at the prestigious Mapungubwe Lecture. She emphasized the importance of striking a balance between strengthening relations with the United States and deepening ties across Africa and Asia. “Our interventions and responses should acknowledge the importance of newer and growing trade partners, such as on our continent, in East Asia, and of course, China,” Pandor told the audience.
She further stressed that a one-dimensional perspective of the globe cannot confine the country. According to Pandor, the goal of South Africa’s foreign policy is to seize opportunities wherever they arise, whether in the United States, Africa, or Asia, and make sure that South Africans profit from them by creating jobs and fostering shared prosperity.
Strengthening the Global Relations Strategy with the U.S.
The G20 summit in Johannesburg this November is expected to highlight South Africa’s ability to play a bridging role between the Global North and South. Pandor believes that SA has already successfully hosted over 100 meetings in the build-up to the event, showcasing its logistics capacity and diplomatic skill. Additionally, according to her, the G20 is a platform not only for debate but also for actual solutions that promote “inclusive growth, address global rules, and align development priorities with the needs of the Global South.”
Foreign Investment Creates Jobs and Stability
Another central theme of Pandor’s lecture was the role of foreign investment in job creation. She affirmed that foreign investment, notably from American companies, has produced jobs in South Africa. Pandor believes that investment that advances our development objectives, enhances infrastructure, and strengthens local communities must continue to be welcomed by SA. However, the country must also be strategic—diversifying its partners so that we are not overly reliant on one country or region.
This approach reflects a broader economic policy shift aimed at balancing Western influence with growing economic cooperation in Asia, particularly with China and India.
South Africa’s Strategic Goals in a Multipolar World
South Africa balances ties with the U.S., not as a sign of dependence but as part of a multipolar strategy. President Cyril Ramaphosa has also been vocal about this balanced approach. “We will continue to build solid relations with the United States of America while also being diverse and complementary in approaches to existing and new opportunities,” Ramaphosa stated in a recent press briefing.
This multipolar diplomacy reflects South Africa’s commitment to being an active player in shaping global governance and ensuring its national interests are advanced on the world stage.
Prioritizing African and Asian Partnerships
Beyond the U.S., Pretoria is focusing on continental trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement and expanding cooperation with Asia. “The future of global trade will be shaped significantly by Africa and Asia,” Pandor stressed.
“We are determined to deepen our relationships across the continent and leverage the AfCFTA to unlock value chains that benefit our people. We also value partnerships with East Asia—including China, Japan, and South Korea—as they present opportunities for technology transfer and sustainable development.”
Inclusive Growth as a Core Principle
Government officials say the G20 summit will focus on inclusive growth, logistics, and safety. The theme chosen for this year emphasizes diversity and shared prosperity. “The South African theme unashamedly confirms our commitment to positive values of diversity, shared prosperity, and inclusion,” said Pandor. “We believe that a global economy that leaves no one behind is not just morally right but economically necessary.”
By balancing ties with the U.S. while diversifying partnerships in Africa and Asia, South Africa is charting a new course for its foreign policy. With the G20 summit on the horizon, this strategy could pay off by positioning the country as a leader among emerging economies and a bridge-builder in a rapidly changing global order.
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