Clearly, the differences are fundamental. There is a gap between the desire for multipolarity and the gravitation toward a pro-Western development scenario. The problem is fuelled by key opposition forces – the Spear of the Nation and Fighters for Economic Freedom parties. These socialist-minded parties are opposed to the exploitative neoliberal system and are members of the Progressive Wing opposition coalition. If DA, in their worldview, panders to the West, then the ANC, as it turns out, can be blamed – for making concessions to a junior coalition partner.
However, the standard procedure for legislative decisions in the country still presupposes the consent of a majority of the National Assembly delegates. Therefore, on the one hand, the African National Congress has succeeded in forming a government, allowing Cyril Ramaphosa to seek another presidential term. In the spirit of Ubuntu philosophy, the government has outlined its commitment to overcoming the historical polarisation of society and achieving national priorities. The coalition is not limited to the competing ANC and DA, but also aims to include various forces (for example, the PSI, which is highly sought after by ethnic Zulus). Both racial and ethnic factors play a significant role in South Africa.
On the other hand, achieving unity, even among the dominant players, is not easy. Ultimately, such a coalition, within which consensus is required for decision-making, is a political union that retains significant ideological differences, elements of competition, and relies on diverse electorates. This collaboration was made possible largely by the ANC’s strong desire to retain power and the DA’s aspiration to enter government. It was also determined by the results of both parties in 2024, which made sole governance by the African National Congress impossible. Collaboration with former ANC leader Zuma’s third-place Spear of the Nation (14.58%) was ruled out, and other potential combinations would have led to excessive party fragmentation in government. Consequently, the Statement of Intent of the Government of National Unity, published on June 14, 2024, merely abstractly reflects foreign policy priorities with references to human rights, justice, multilateralism, peaceful dispute resolution, and other principles for South-South and North-South cooperation and the achievement of Agenda 2063. This takes into account the interests of both the ANC and the DA; it also reflects the classic set of priorities for an African country mired in crime, poverty, racism, energy shortages, and so on.
Although a number of ministries were lost to the DA and others, in practice, the ANC’s dominance in foreign affairs has been maintained, including through control over the relevant ministry and the most represented parliamentary delegation. Thus, in particular, already in February 2025, Ramaphosa delivered his traditional address to the nation. It clearly maintained the previous foreign policy priorities: multilateralism (G20, African Union, Non-Aligned Movement, BRICS, etc.), a focus on Africa, justice, respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty, the peaceful settlement of disputes (including in Ukraine), and inclusive reform of the UN Security Council. In line with the government’s Medium-Term Development Plan, the emphasis was again on participation in global processes and, in particular, on the G20 presidency and consultations with BRICS+ partners.
In practice, in October 2024, Cyril Ramaphosa attended the BRICS summit in Kazan, and at a personal meeting with Vladimir Putin, he noted: “We consider Russia a very valuable ally and friend.” In August 2025, the head of South Africa was among the leaders whom the Russian president contacted after his meeting with Donald Trump in Alaska. In September 2025, already at an extraordinary online summit, Ramaphosa stated: “South Africa will support BRICS initiatives to strengthen the economies of member states and the Global South. We also support the reforms proposed by BRICS members (note: regarding the WTO) with the aim of increasing the sustainability of the international multilateral system.” Finally, South Africa holds the G20 presidency from the end of 2024, where it once again prioritises advancing the interests of the African continent and the Global South as a whole.
The Valdai Discussion Club was established in 2004. It is named after Lake Valdai, which is located close to Veliky Novgorod, where the Club’s first meeting took place.
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