Seeking New Allies After Break with the U.S.

Time Business News

25-06-2025

In a decisive shift in foreign policy, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa extended his visit to Canada following a tense and fruitless meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump in May 2025. This move marks the end of an era of reliable support from Washington, compelling South Africa to strengthen ties with Canada, the United Kingdom, and the European Union while striving to maintain its traditional policy of non-alignment.
Collapse of U.S.-South African Relations
The crisis in bilateral relations began in February 2025 when Trump signed an executive order halting all financial aid to South Africa — previously around $440 million annually, including PEPFAR funds — citing the Expropriation Act No. 13 of 2024 and allegations of discrimination against white populations. Tensions peaked during Ramaphosa's May 2025 Washington visit, when Trump's claims of 'white genocide' in South Africa shattered trust. Subsequent threats of tariffs and the expulsion of South Africa's ambassador, Ebrahim Rasool, in March 2025 severed ties, forcing Pretoria to seek new partners.
The extended visit to Canada — a key player in the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) — underscores this strategic shift, on economic and diplomatic support outside the U.S. orbit.
New Allies: Canada, the UK, and the EU
After the U.S. aid cutoff in February 2025, Ramaphosa deepened partnerships with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and EU leadership, including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. These countries have significantly increased investments in South Africa's energy transition and offered additional economic and strategic commitments: The EU allocated €4.7 billion in March 2025 for energy, infrastructure, and vaccine production, while exploring further funding for critical minerals and green technology to cement South Africa's role in global supply chains.
allocated in March 2025 for energy, infrastructure, and vaccine production, while exploring further funding for critical minerals and green technology to cement South Africa's role in global supply chains. Canada boosted JETP funding by 57% post-COP26, reaching $2.5 billion , and likely offered expanded trade agreements in agriculture and renewable energy to offset potential U.S. tariff losses.
boosted JETP funding by post-COP26, reaching , and likely offered expanded trade agreements in agriculture and renewable energy to offset potential U.S. tariff losses. The UK, through GuarantCo and British International Investment, provided $100 million in guarantees for 'green' projects, alongside plans to support skills training and defense cooperation to bolster South Africa's regional influence.
Chatham House Analysts:
'By aligning with the EU, Pretoria mitigates the fallout from its conflict with Trump, leveraging the energy transition and critical resource partnerships as a strategic advantage.'
However, new allies come with conditions, particularly regarding South Africa's role in global conflicts and economic orientation.
Demands and Obligations of New Partners
The UK and EU, concerned by separate U.S.-Russia talks on Ukraine, urge South Africa to more actively represent 'Global South' interests. Pretoria's experience in resolving African conflicts positions it as a key advocate for initiatives like the African Union's 2023 peace plan. During Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's April 2025 visit, Ramaphosa advocated for 'no-preconditions' talks, but the meeting was cut short.
Professor Sifamandla Zondi, University of Johannesburg:
'Ukraine needs all the international legitimacy it can get—not just in Europe. South Africa could be Ukraine's gateway to Africa.'
Rheinmetall Denel Munition (RDM), established in 2008, has drawn scrutiny amid Ukraine war-related ammunition shortages. Despite South Africa's legal bans and the administration's stance, Western partners continue pressing Ramaphosa for uninterrupted NATO supplies, indirectly supporting Kyiv. The South African leader treads cautiously to avoid domestic unrest, but how long he can resist this pressure remains uncertain.
Testing Non-Alignment Policy
The principle of 'active non-alignment,' reaffirmed by security advisor Sydney Mufamadi in May 2023, remains the cornerstone of South Africa's foreign policy. Ramaphosa avoids arms supplies, advocating for peace without preconditions. However, pressure is mounting: The Democratic Alliance (coalition partner) supports Ukraine.
(coalition partner) supports Ukraine. The ANC and civil society are divided, with ongoing protests against Zelenskyy.
are divided, with ongoing protests against Zelenskyy. RDM's activities since 2008 inadvertently tie South Africa to Western interests.
In a New World Order
Ramaphosa's prolonged Canada visit confirms the U.S. is no longer a reliable partner. By aligning with Ottawa, London, and Brussels, he seeks new leverage through economic, trade, and defense commitments. Yet, demands over Ukraine and closer NATO ties test South Africa's principles.
Hudson Summarizes:
'This is a pragmatic response to a shifting world order, but Ramaphosa must tread carefully to maintain domestic trust.'
South Africa stands at a crossroads, balancing its role as a 'Global South' leader with obligations to new allies. Whether Ramaphosa can preserve the country's independence while leveraging promised economic and strategic support from Canada, the UK, and the EU is the defining challenge of the coming years.
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