Former Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr. Naledi Pandor, has expressed her disappointment over the ongoing criticism South Africa is facing from the United States, following US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s recent remarks. Rubio announced on social media platform X that he would be skipping the G20 summit in Johannesburg later this month, accusing Pretoria of “doing very bad things.” This sharp rebuke came just days before South Africa is set to host the prestigious summit on February 20-21, as part of its G20 presidency.
Pandor, who has long been a respected diplomat for South Africa, urged the government to engage more deeply with Washington to correct any misunderstandings and communicate the country’s true policy positions. In an interview with Newzroom Afrika, she emphasized the need for increased diplomatic efforts to address what she described as a “wrong perception” about South Africa. According to Pandor, the nation has always been a reliable partner to the United States, and it is crucial to present the factual position on the various issues that have sparked controversy, some of which she believes have been greatly misconstrued.
Reflecting on the larger context of South Africa’s position on the global stage, Pandor suggested that the country’s prominence in Africa, coupled with its significant economic influence, makes it a natural target for international scrutiny. She acknowledged that South Africa’s policies often draw commentary and attention due to its economic power, adding, “We are a very important country on the African continent, we have the largest economy, we are a country that has always attracted international commentary and interest.”
Rubio’s decision to skip the G20 summit was part of a broader criticism of South Africa’s policies. In his post on X, Rubio accused South Africa of expropriating private property and using the G20 summit to promote agendas such as “diversity, equity, and inclusion” (DEI) and climate change. He also voiced his concerns about the summit’s focus on these issues, arguing that his job was to advance America’s national interests rather than engage in what he described as coddling “anti-Americanism.”
The US has long been critical of South Africa’s policies, particularly its growing ties with China and its involvement in the BRICS forum. According to Dr. Gideon Chitanga, a political analyst and expert on international relations, Washington has increasingly adopted an adversarial stance towards South Africa over the past few years. Chitanga also pointed to South Africa’s neutral stance on the Russia-Ukraine conflict as a point of tension, with the US strongly supporting Ukraine, including providing significant financial assistance.
Additionally, Chitanga argued that South Africa’s position on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, particularly its advocacy for the International Criminal Court (ICC) to investigate the Israeli government’s actions in Gaza, has contributed to the growing rift. He noted that the Israeli government, under Prime Minister Netanyahu, has close ties to the Trump administration, and this relationship may be influencing the US’s stance towards South Africa. Chitanga suggested that the US’s punitive attitude towards South Africa might be driven by a desire to punish the country for its independent foreign policy choices, particularly regarding issues like Israel and its alignment with non-Western powers.
Amid these diplomatic tensions, Pandor remains optimistic that South Africa can overcome these challenges through continued engagement and clear communication. She believes that by rallying influential figures in Washington and addressing misconceptions head-on, the country can preserve its reputation as a credible global partner while navigating the complexities of international relations.
