Dr. Reneva Fourie
THE recent visit to the United States by AfriForum and Solidarity, followed by the Democratic Alliance this week, reflects the intensification of efforts to effect regime change in South Africa. We must come together and mobilise in defence of our country’s sovereignty.
The US, regardless of whether Republicans or Democrats lead it, has long pursued a policy of regime change against countries that resist its economic and political agendas. South Africa, with its strategic location and wealth of critical minerals, has always been a target of imperialist forces.
The democratic government, led by the ANC, has insisted on compliance with local labour laws, prioritisation of inclusive economic development, and adherence to international law – stances that have often put it at odds with Western powers.
By refusing to bow to external pressures, South Africa has asserted its sovereignty despite relentless attempts at interference, while fostering cordial relations with all nations. This approach is rooted in the desire for healthy international relations and the pursuit of multilateral trade opportunities.
The ANC’s commitment to progressive internationalism is rooted in its historical struggle against apartheid and colonialism. Since 1912, the ANC has championed a vision of a just and equitable world order. This vision continues today as the ANC aligns itself with anti-imperialist forces globally, advocating for multipolarity, social justice, and the reform of global governance structures.
History demonstrates that governments like those of the US and UK have consistently sidelined the majority of South Africans, especially the poorer communities, in their agendas. They supported apartheid almost until the very end, only backing down, inter alia, under tremendous grassroots pressure in their own countries.
The DA, backed by significant foreign funding during the 2024 elections, represents a clear threat to South Africa’s sovereignty. The DA’s alignment with US interests is not driven by a genuine desire for better governance but by an agenda to restore white privilege and bourgeois dominance. Although they failed to unseat the ANC outright, their participation in a Government of National Unity has opened avenues for them to further push neoliberal policies and undermine South Africa’s transformation agenda.
The DA’s efforts to relax labour laws, privatise essential public services like electricity and water, and alter South Africa’s foreign policy are clear indicators of their intent to serve imperialist interests. These policies would exacerbate inequality and erode the hard-won gains of democracy. The DA’s collaboration with Afriforum and Solidarity further emboldens right-wing elements that seek to reverse the progress made since 1994. Their recent engagement with the ultra-right Trump administration underscores their willingness to act as proxies for imperialist forces.
While the ANC currently remains the leading force for change in South Africa, it cannot ignore its internal weaknesses. Corruption within its ranks has tarnished its image and eroded public trust. Prominent figures implicated in corruption have often escaped accountability, creating a perception that laws are selectively enforced. Service delivery failures – manifested in potholed roads, erratic water and electricity supply, and deteriorating public spaces – have further alienated citizens.
These shortcomings have created fertile ground for disillusion among young South Africans, who make up over 60 per cent of the population and largely did not experience apartheid first-hand. Many white South Africans, hindered by significant censorship and restricted mobility, also struggled to grasp the reasons behind the resistance and its true nature.
This lack of understanding leaves them vulnerable to narratives that glamorise apartheid-era governance or propose privatisation as a remedy for today’s challenges. However, the adverse effects of privatisation are already evident: skyrocketing tariffs have rendered basic services unaffordable for countless households, while austerity measures pushed by neoliberal ideologies have exacerbated crises in education and healthcare.
South Africa’s former liberation movements must recognise that the democratic revolution is facing a real threat of reversal. Mere rhetoric will not restore public trust in their ability to govern. The fight against imperialist interference requires a clear commitment to responsive governance, effective service delivery, and grassroots mobilisation.
Corruption must be met with swift and decisive action, ensuring that public resources serve the people rather than political elites. Where right-wing parties govern, former liberation movements must take the lead in advocating for the needs of neglected communities, organising to ensure adequate service provision, and countering misinformation about the supposed benefits of privatisation.
South Africa’s struggle against imperialism is not just about protecting its sovereignty; it is part of a broader fight for global justice. This intensified struggle requires a multifaceted approach, encompassing grassroots organising, political advocacy, and strategic alliances with like-minded movements.
The next few years demand absolute unity among South Africa’s oppressed majority. The ANC must work collaboratively with other progressive forces to defend the revolution from being reversed by imperialist proxies. By harnessing the collective power of progressive forces, we can better combat the economic exploitation and social injustices perpetuated by imperialist interests.
This includes strengthening alliances with global anti-imperialist movements and deepening ties with partners in BRICS (Brazil-Russia-India-China-South Africa) who share a commitment to multipolarity. Only through unified and progressive action can we hope to foster true sovereignty, equality and justice.
Dr Reneva Fourie is a policy analyst specialising in governance, development and security and co-author of the book ‘The Art of Power: Pursuing Liberation and Nation-building’