29 March 2025

The African National Congress (ANC) study group on International Relations and Cooperation supports and welcomes the People-Centred approach adopted by the Portfolio Committee. 

For too long, International Relations has been confined to the realm of elite academia and policymakers. They have been very disconnected from the people it impacts the most, the people of South Africa. In recent years, the nation has witnessed how some developments in the global arena have impacted the livelihoods and worsened challenges such as access to life-saving medication for millions of our people. 

The concept paper on International Relations People-Centred Oversight Forums was conceptualised, initiated and tabled to the Portfolio Committee in 2022 by the Chairperson of International Relations and Cooperation, Hon Supra Obakeng Mahumapelo.

As the ANC, we believe that foreign policy and global developments have tangible effects on the ground. They shape economies, livelihoods, and communities. In our view, the Portfolio Committee is fulfilling its constitutional mandate to ensure public participation in the otherwise elitist foreign policy space. 

We commend the Committee’s drive to establish the People-Centred Oversight mechanisms in all nine provinces. These forums will provide timely feedback on how the people would wish the Portfolio Committee’s mandate to respond to their situations.

We acknowledge the work done during the 6th administration in 2022, which included an introduction conducted for organised structures, such as SALGA, the House of Traditional Leaders, legislators, think tanks, and others.

We enthusiastically support the Committee’s determination to strengthen communication with the people and also for people to play a practical, meaningful, and valuable role in how it makes oversight relevant to the people of South Africa. The oversight mechanism will be implemented in all municipalities across South Africa, with a particular focus on villages, townships, small towns, and cities. 

We need to continually and consistently advocate for democratising this discourse by simplifying the language, ensuring that foreign policy decisions are made transparently, with inclusivity, and ensuring that our communities have a deep understanding of the real world and how global processes affect them. 

A truly democratic foreign policy is one that reflects the voices, interests, and aspirations of all South Africans. The People-Centred Oversight Mechanism on International Relations and Cooperation is a vital step toward ensuring that foreign policy is not just a government responsibility but a national priority that involves every citizen.

The study group believes that, once established, the mechanisms will help to harmonise policies and activities while normalising relations for the people of South Africa and enhancing social stability and economic development.

By making International Relations accessible and transparent, this initiative empowers individuals, businesses, and communities to engage meaningfully in trade agreements, diplomatic decisions, and global partnerships. It strengthens South Africa’s position on the world stage by ensuring that our policies reflect the diverse perspectives of our people and that they are actively able to participate. 

We fully support this mechanism as a means to foster national unity, economic opportunity, and informed participation in shaping South Africa’s global future. Together, we can build a foreign policy that truly serves the people.

A radical perspective on economic diplomacy matters, and it will only be possible when our people understand International Relations. An oversight framework on economic diplomacy needs to be established, as expressed in the NDP. We must ensure it leads to job creation, alleviates poverty, leads to industrialisation and ensures equal opportunities for all South Africans. We need to be committed to a radical approach towards our foreign policy to ensure it serves the needs of our people. 

Our approach to making our people understand international relations matters will be a determining factor for the success of this mechanism. 

Issued by the Whip of the ANC Study Group on International Relations and Cooperation, Cde Andisiwe Kumbaca 

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