Build One South Africa (BOSA) leader Dr. Mmusi Maimane has called for Parliament to take the lead in determining South Africa’s foreign policy, arguing that it cannot remain the preserve of the African National Congress (ANC) alone. His comments come amid an approved parliamentary debate on the escalating crisis in the Middle East, following a recent US-Israel attack on Iran and its broader regional implications.
The Speaker of the National Assembly, Thoko Didiza, has granted BOSA’s request for an urgent debate, set to address the conflict’s impact on South Africa. This includes risks to South African citizens and families in the region, disruptions to logistics and supply chains, and potential spikes in global oil prices that could drive up domestic fuel costs, food prices, and living expenses.
In an interview, Maimane emphasized the urgency of the matter, noting that South Africans are directly affected. “You’ve got South African citizens who are stuck in the Middle East. You’ve got South African citizens whose families are there who demand to know what needs to happen,” he said. He highlighted business impacts from delayed stock deliveries and warned that unclear foreign policy positions leave the country vulnerable in an unstable geopolitical environment marked by physical wars and tariff disputes.
Maimane criticized perceived inconsistencies in South Africa’s approach to global conflicts. He pointed to the country’s actions in the Russia-Ukraine war, where it claimed non-alignment but appeared aligned with Russia, and suggested a similar pattern in the Israel-Palestine conflict. “Except in this instance it’s become quite clear we’ve become strongly allied with Iran in various places whether that’s BRICS forums or military training,” he stated, urging consistency.
He argued that South Africa must openly decide if it is truly non-aligned—as a middle-income country—or aligned with Iran. “We cannot make the same mistakes… we need to be overtly consistent,” Maimane said, referencing how other non-aligned nations like India navigate such challenges by clearly defining priorities. He stressed that foreign policy decisions, including military trainings with Iran, should align with declared non-alignment principles if that is the chosen stance.
The BOSA leader linked the international crisis to domestic priorities, particularly protecting citizens and cushioning economic shocks. With South Africa’s economy reliant on oil supplies, he warned of severe consequences if prices escalate, including higher costs for essentials like bread. He proposed that Parliament consider deferring the planned fuel levy increase in April to help citizens absorb potential shocks, while the state manages the burden.
Maimane advocated for a reset in multilateralism, emphasizing the role of reformed institutions like the United Nations and the African Union (AU) in upholding sovereignty and the rule of law. As a pan-Africanist, he questioned how the AU should engage and called for decisions on military actions to be multilateral rather than unilateral. He referenced a new association of political parties across 18 African countries focused on strengthening institutions.
In the context of a Government of National Unity, Maimane insisted foreign policy belongs to the South African government as a whole, not one party. He highlighted the need to balance relations with major partners like the United States—a significant trading partner—and BRICS members such as India and China, especially amid tariffs and vehicle imports. “Foreign policy is now no longer something we could sit back and ignore,” he said.
The debate is expected to provide clarity, hold the government accountable, and potentially lead to resolutions shaping South Africa’s stance. Maimane suggested a strong parliamentary outcome would clarify non-alignment versus alignment with Iran, pursue peaceful resolutions, and implement protective economic measures.
President Cyril Ramaphosa is anticipated to address Parliament around this time, adding to the significance of the discussion. The debate is scheduled for March 19, 2026, focusing on the crisis’s implications for South Africa’s foreign policy, citizen safety, and economy.