Polarising stance on Israel vs Hamas is hypocritical, we remain committed to Western partnerships - Mmusi Maimane

The leader of Build One South Africa (BOSA), Mmusi Maimane, recently concluded his visit to the United States, where he engaged in discussions with senators, and esteemed institutions such as MIT and Harvard, and connected with South African expatriates in Boston. In an interview with Biznews, Maimane emphasised the US’s critical role as a trade partner for South Africa. He stated that his visit aimed to address the sustainability of this partnership with the US and the broader West, as the country approaches a pivotal election. Maimane conveyed the message that the views narrowly held by the ANC in terms of its position on Russia are not the view of all South Africans and certainly not the view taken by the South African Parliament. He said that South Africa’s foreign policy should be taken back to what Nelson Mandela stood for. On the ANC’s decision to take Israel to the International Court of Justice, the BOSA leader says it polarised the issue and is not helpful in finding a quick resolution. He accused the ANC of hypocrisy in taking on this issue while building relationships with dictators who do not care for human rights. Maimane warned that if the ANC government continues to be seen as kowtowing to dictators, it could make the flow of capital into South Africa difficult. He said that a new government and a new generation of leaders who think in the interest of South Africa will fight to protect human rights and continue its partnership with the West while creating a strong Africa. He also assured his US audience that the capability of the state can be restored in South Africa. - Linda van Tilburg