Emma Powell's resignation linked to ANC tensions and US diplomatic relations, says expert
Image: X@EmmaPowell
Political analyst and international relations expert Professor Bheki Mngomezulu said he is not surprised by the resignation of Democratic Alliance (DA) MP Emma Powell, who has been accused of spreading disinformation to the US as the spokesperson for International Relations.
'This should not come as a surprise. Just the other day, the DA made a statement expressing concern that the South African government has not reached an agreement with the Trump administration on trade issues,' Mngomezulu said.
He said the move speaks to the continuation of the DA's pre-election posture, aligning more with the United States than the South African government, despite being part of the GNU.
Mngomezulu added that the current standoff between Pretoria and Washington is likely to cause friction not only between the DA and its coalition partners, including the African National Congress (ANC), but also within the DA itself.
'I don't know all the reasons why she decided to resign, but my sense is that it has to do with South Africa's relations with the US and differing opinions on how the matter should be handled both within the DA and in the coalition,' he said.
Earlier, IOL News reported that Powell announced in a statement that she was stepping down after more than two years in the role.
'Over the past two and a half years, I have traveled the world on behalf of my party, first as shadow minister and later as national spokesperson, speaking out against some of the most repressive and brutal regimes in the world,' she said.
Powell claimed that her advocacy work led to threats, intimidation, harassment, and illegal surveillance.
Video Player is loading.
Play Video
Play
Unmute
Current Time
0:00
/
Duration
-:-
Loaded :
0%
Stream Type LIVE
Seek to live, currently behind live
LIVE
Remaining Time
-
0:00
This is a modal window.
Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.
Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque
Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps
Reset
restore all settings to the default values Done
Close Modal Dialog
End of dialog window.
Advertisement
Video Player is loading.
Play Video
Play
Unmute
Current Time
0:00
/
Duration
-:-
Loaded :
0%
Stream Type LIVE
Seek to live, currently behind live
LIVE
Remaining Time
-
0:00
This is a modal window.
Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.
Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque
Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps
Reset
restore all settings to the default values Done
Close Modal Dialog
End of dialog window.
Next
Stay
Close ✕
'Driven by my commitment to the DA's foundational principles, I accepted these risks as the unavoidable cost of standing up to and exposing DIRCO (Department of International Relations and Cooperation) and the ANC's relationships with authoritarian regimes,' she said.
The DA confirmed Powell's resignation in a separate statement and thanked her for her service. The party said she would soon be reassigned to a new portfolio.
DA national spokesperson Karabo Khakhau announced that Ryan Smith would replace Powell as the party's new spokesperson on international relations and cooperation.
Powell's departure comes after she took a trip to Washington, DC in March, along with former deputy minister of trade, industry and competition, Andrew Whitfield
President Cyril Ramaphosa later dismissed Whitfield for taking the trip without proper authorisation.
The DA said the visit was aimed at strengthening ties between South Africa and the US.
Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola previously said the party's actions undermined the constitutional prerogative of the executive in foreign policy matters.
'Africa's non-aligned stance and the advancement of our national interest remain central pillars of South Africa's foreign policy,' Lamola previously told IOL News.
He also criticised what he called misrepresentations of South Africa's land reform efforts, particularly the Expropriation Bill, insisting the legislation does not permit arbitrary land seizure.
Tensions between the DA and the ANC escalated further after Powell recently claimed that Ramaphosa's envoy to the US, Mcebisi Jonas, had been denied entry and that his diplomatic credentials had been rejected. The Presidency denied the claims.
Powell, who has been a DA MP since 2019, is known for opposing ANC's foreign policies.
Mngomezulu said the ANC has long accused Powell of spreading disinformation to the US.
'Yes, that is true… In fact, the DA has been disingenuous in its relations with the US, because there are only three constitutional avenues for communication with the US, the ambassador, the DIRCO minister, and the presidency.'
He said the DA does not fall within those formal channels.
'So going there before the coalition government was constituted was wrong even then. It's even more wrong now because they are part of the government,' he said.
Mngomezulu said if Powell or Whitfield acted without authorisation, it becomes a serious issue.
He added that Powell's resignation appears to come from both her conflict with the ANC and tensions within the DA itself.
'Truth be told, not all DA members are acting in the manner that she and others have. Some are level-headed and more likely to see when things are not done properly.'
It is not clear where Powell will be reassigned, but the DA now faces scrutiny over its next move.
'The DA has often accused the ANC of recycling officials into new roles when they underperform. Are they not doing the same thing?' Mngomezulu said.
'If Powell has done anything wrong and admits to it, the party should act accordingly. But because she resigned voluntarily, she may be deployed elsewhere as long as she remains a member in good standing.'
He said Powell's situation highlights broader problems within the GNU.
'This coalition was built on shaky ground. It's a coalition of convenience, marked by an identity crisis between the ANC and DA, while the other eight parties are largely ignored,' he said.
'This is not how a coalition should function. It also shows that the president is not strong enough to manage the coalition, which is why the DA continues to act independently and even threatens to withdraw - before realising they would lose benefits, and deciding to stay despite dissatisfaction.'
simon.majadibodu@iol.co.za
IOL Politics
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
eNCA
2 hours ago
- eNCA
Global recognition for local hard work
JOHANNESBURG - The French government has recognised the efforts and work done towards the fight for equal human rights for all. READ: Anti-migrant protests | SERI committed to protecting Human Rights of all Siyabulela Jentile has been awarded the status of Laureate of the Initiative Marianne by the Government of France - becoming the first South African and the first African from Southern Africa to receive this prestigious honour. Jentile discussed the award with eNCA.
IOL News
2 hours ago
- IOL News
Fikile Mbalula: No Arms to Ukraine, South Africa Stays Committed to Peace
Liberation Movements Summit 2025 class photo. Image: X/ANC By Bayethe Msimang South Africa has reaffirmed its longstanding commitment to neutrality and peace in international conflicts, including the war in Ukraine. This stance was underscored by African National Congress Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula during his address at the recent summit of Southern African liberation movements. Speaking to an audience of political veterans and representatives from across the region, Mbalula emphasised that no South African arms manufacturer, whether public or private, will be permitted to export weapons or ammunition to any party involved in the war. 'As the ANC, we have taken a decision – consistent with South Africa's constitutional values and foreign policy traditions – that South African arms manufacturers will not be allowed to export weapons or ammunition to the war zone in Ukraine,' Mbalula said. His remarks were not presented as a new policy initiative, but rather as a public reaffirmation of South Africa's deeply rooted principles in international engagement. For decades, South Africa's foreign policy has emphasised peaceful conflict resolution, respect for sovereignty, and a strong commitment to international law. Mbalula's words served to restate that approach at a time when the global arms trade and its implications for ongoing conflicts are under intense international scrutiny. Over the past several years, public interest in arms transfers has steadily grown, both within South Africa and abroad. This has been driven by a broader international dialogue around transparency, ethics, and the unintended consequences of global weapons flows. Within this climate, South African defence manufacturers — including well-known entities such as Rheinmetall Denel Munition — have occasionally appeared in investigative reporting and academic research exploring the complexities of modern arms production and end-user accountability. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ It was in this context of heightened awareness that Mbalula's remarks were made. Rather than responding to any specific incident, his statement served as a principled reminder of the frameworks that already guide South Africa's approach to arms exports. Reassuring both local and international observers, Mbalula emphasised that the decision not to authorise exports to the Ukrainian war zone was not an exceptional case, but a confirmation of South Africa's broader diplomatic posture. The guiding principle remains consistent: military goods should not be exported to regions experiencing active conflict, particularly when there is a risk that such exports could contribute to further escalation. In this way, South Africa continues to walk a path defined not by alignment with global power blocs, but by its own moral compass and legal obligations. The government's position reflects its historical role as an advocate for dialogue, mediation, and peaceful coexistence values that have shaped its diplomatic identity since the end of apartheid. Mbalula's message thus serves a dual purpose: it reassures domestic audiences that South Africa's defence industry remains under firm legal and ethical guidance, and it signals to the world that the country remains committed to its role as a bridge-builder in times of war. At a moment when the international order is marked by volatility and mistrust, South Africa's quiet consistency may well be its greatest diplomatic strength. IOL
The Citizen
2 hours ago
- The Citizen
Citrus growers call on president to urgently intervene about 30% US tariff
While other industries can wait for government to negotiate the US tariff down, citrus growers could be stuck with boxes of rotten fruit. With mere days to go before Friday, when the US tariff of 30% on South African goods kicks in, the Citrus Growers' Association of Southern Africa wrote to President Cyril Ramaphosa, calling on him to urgently intervene on behalf of rural communities in the Northern and Western Cape, where citrus exported to the US is grown and where livelihoods rely on the US-SA citrus trade. 'This week, with the tariff deadline on Friday, is one of great anxiety for the citrus growers in the Western and Northern Cape. These two provinces annually export about 7 million cartons of citrus to the US,' Dr Boitshoko Ntshabele, CEO of the Citrus Growers' Association of Southern Africa (CGA), says. The association has asked Ramaphosa to urgently facilitate an extension of the current 10% US tariff beyond 1 August, which would allow for negotiations to reach a mutually beneficial trade agreement. The CGA also requested that, if a general extension of the deadline is not possible, an urgent request for a specific extension for seasonal fresh produce should be secured. 'Seasonal fresh produce is perishable and cannot be stored for extended periods like other trade products. We just passed the midpoint of the 2025 export season, which means that hundreds of thousands of cartons of citrus are ready in packhouses to be shipped to the US over the next few weeks. The implementation of a 30% tariff on 1 August will mean most of this fruit will be left unsold.' ALSO READ: Experts question if SA has a plan for US tariffs, Tau says here it is SA citrus growers no threat to US farmers—no reason for US tariff of 30% South African citrus growers do not pose a threat to US growers or jobs, as they sustain demand when local US citrus is out of season, benefiting US consumers. 'Citrus as a source of nutrition also helps to keep America healthy. Should we not be able to secure a favourable trade deal or the concession for fresh produce, local job losses before the next season will be a certainty,' Ntshabele says. Gerrit van der Merwe, chairman of the CGA, says being a grower in Citrusdal, he is very worried about the effect the tariffs will have on the town and the wider Cederberg municipality. 'Citrus forms the economic heart of the area. 'Not just farmers and farm workers will feel the impact, as local businesses and even the funding of social support programmes will be affected too. The social fabric of some rural towns in the Western and Northern Cape is threatened. 'Local growers also say a 30% tariff will not only stifle future growth but lead to the eventual destruction of between 500 and 1 000 ha of land that would simply become unprofitable.' ALSO READ: Trump tariffs implemented in same week SA citrus growers pack for US export Letter to the president about US tariff In the letter to the president, the CGA highlighted that, while much focus has been placed on market diversification in the past few weeks as a general answer to the trade turmoil, certain realities must be considered. 'Citrus is grown for designated markets, each with their own precise market and plant health specifications. Therefore, it is not easy to simply divert citrus from the US and find a new market. Should some citrus be diverted away from the US, the diversion could very well depress the price in these markets through oversupply, negatively impacting the entire Southern African citrus industry. 'The citrus industry has the potential to create 100 000 additional jobs by 2032 because of new plantings, but for this to be realised, we require the expansion of every market—including the US, China, India, the European Union, and others,' the CGA says in the letter. Ntshabele says while the CGA acknowledges measures of progress made in the US trade negotiations, it is of the opinion that more direct and active contact with the US is necessary before the 1 August deadline. ALSO READ: Devastating impact of US tariffs on SA automotive sector even before implementation US tariff much worse than losing Agoa status Arthur Kamp, chief economist at Sanlam Investments, says South Africa's direct trade exposure to the US is relatively modest but not insignificant. In 2024, goods exports to the US amounted to R156.8 billion (7.6% of total South African goods exports and 2.1% of GDP). The US announced a 30% tariff increase for South Africa. 'After taking the 25% US import tariff increases on aluminium, steel, and motor vehicles into account, while also adjusting for exclusions, we estimate the overall effective US tariff increase for South Africa is likely to be less than 20%.' However, he points out that this is still a large increase and is likely to cause a sharp decrease in South African exports to the US, including motor vehicles. 'We note that vehicle exports to the US were already significantly down last month, indicating manufacturers readjusting and finding new markets for finished goods, as total vehicle exports were up by 3%. 'While some exclusions may also be rescinded, it is important to understand that the impact will be far greater than losing our AGOA (African Growth and Opportunity Act) status alone. 'Downward revisions to South Africa's gross domestic product (GDP) forecast for 2025 should result, while combined with heightened geopolitical risk, the effect on business sentiment and investment could be more pronounced, particularly given South Africa's dependence on the US for foreign capital, especially portfolio capital, which is highly liquid.'
