South Africa’s International Relations Minister, Ronald Lamola, stated on Thursday that the
United States cannot legitimately criticize South Africa for engaging with Iran and China. Lamola
pointed out that Washington itself continuously engages with both nations, making its criticism
contradictory. He emphasized that South Africa will not be pressured into taking sides in global
geopolitical contests and will firmly defend its sovereign right to pursue bilateral relations with
countries across the spectrum.
The minister’s remarks were a direct response to criticism from Reuben Brigety, the US
Ambassador to South Africa. Brigety had claimed on social media that recent high-profile
diplomatic visits—specifically, Deputy President Paul Mashatile’s visit to Beijing and Iranian
Deputy Foreign Minister Ali Bagheri Kani’s visit to Pretoria—undermined South Africa’s stated
foreign policy of non-alignment.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the US ambassador had challenged South Africa&#39;s diplomatic
decisions, writing, “These are choices, they speak for themselves.”

South Africa&rsquo;s International Relations Minister, Ronald Lamola, stated on Thursday that the United States cannot legitimately criticize South Africa for engaging with Iran and China. Lamola pointed out that Washington itself continuously engages with both nations, making its criticism contradictory. He emphasized that South Africa will not be pressured into taking sides in global geopolitical contests and will firmly defend its sovereign right to pursue bilateral relations with countries across the spectrum. The minister&rsquo;s remarks were a direct response to criticism from Reuben Brigety, the US Ambassador to South Africa. Brigety had claimed on social media that recent high-profile diplomatic visits&mdash;specifically, Deputy President Paul Mashatile&rsquo;s visit to Beijing and Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Ali Bagheri Kani&rsquo;s visit to Pretoria&mdash;undermined South Africa&rsquo;s stated foreign policy of non-alignment. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the US ambassador had challenged South Africa&amp;#39;s diplomatic decisions, writing, &ldquo;These are choices, they speak for themselves.&rdquo;

POWER Perspective is a talkback that typically features no-holds-barred discussions ranging from politics and socioeconomic matters to religion and lifestyle topics. POWER Perspective brings you hard-hitting interviews and debates featuring all the big names in politics. This show has a dedicated fanbase of “Perspectivians” and is a must-listen to, to understand what is happening politically in today's South Africa.

POWER Perspective is a talkback that typically features no-holds-barred discussions ranging from politics and socioeconomic matters to religion and lifestyle topics. POWER Perspective brings you hard-hitting interviews and debates featuring all the big names in politics. This show has a dedicated fanbase of &ldquo;Perspectivians&rdquo; and is a must-listen to, to understand what is happening politically in today's South Africa.