Pretoria – The Democratic Alliance has criticised South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation over its decision to declare an Israeli diplomat persona non grata, warning that the move could harm trade relations and economic growth.
The statement was issued by DA spokesperson on International Relations and Cooperation Ryan Smith MP, who said diplomacy exists to manage disputes without escalating them into public confrontations that carry economic and geopolitical consequences.
Smith said declaring a foreign diplomat persona non grata is one of the most serious measures available to a state and is usually reserved for cases involving espionage, security threats or serious breaches of international law. He said using such a step for political disagreements conducted in public sends a signal of instability rather than strength.
According to Smith, Dirco failed to follow standard diplomatic protocol by not issuing a formal démarche to the Israeli embassy, which would normally be used to raise concerns and demand corrective action.
He claimed the escalation was not driven by security concerns but followed political irritation after the Israeli mission’s visit to South Africa’s Eastern Cape, where engagement with AbaThembu King Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo drew attention to service delivery and economic challenges under ANC led municipalities.
Smith accused Dirco, which he said is controlled by the ANC, of provoking an international dispute instead of addressing domestic governance failures. He warned that the move heightens diplomatic tensions and places South Africa’s trade interests at risk.
He said the decision reflects a broader pattern of the ANC inserting South Africa into global conflicts and using foreign policy for ideological positioning rather than national interest.
Smith noted that South Africa remains a trade dependent economy facing low growth and high unemployment, adding that predictable and professional foreign relations are critical for protecting export markets, tourism, investment and strategic partnerships. He said public diplomatic escalation in a polarised global environment risks retaliatory actions, strained commercial ties and reduced investor confidence.
He argued that foreign policy should function as an economic tool that supports jobs and growth, rather than serving domestic political agendas. He said strong nations defend their interests through established diplomatic channels and engagement, not public confrontation.
Smith said South Africa urgently needs investment, market access and international cooperation to revive growth, and warned that creating new diplomatic fault lines undermines those objectives.
He added that Democratic Alliance Federal Leader John Steenhuisen has called for an urgent Government of National Unity lekgotla to review South Africa’s foreign policy direction, saying the ANC should not be allowed to continue pursuing international relations that harm the economy while ordinary citizens bear the cost.
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