Analyst warns Jacob Zuma’s ‘rogue diplomacy’ threatens SA's foreign policy

Mkhabela warns that former president Jacob Zuma’s unofficial diplomatic engagements pose a growing threat to South Africa’s foreign policy and national security.

His comments follow the arrests of four people linked to an alleged Russian mercenary recruitment scheme that has drawn in MK Party members and other South Africans.

"These types of relationships eventually transform themselves into some kind of military expedition or military recruitment and security-related stuff that may compromise the country at two levels: at a security level, but most importantly, at a foreign policy level. That's why Zuma's, what I call personal diplomacy, that he's been conducting in Africa, is very, very concerning."

Mkhabela argues that, while international political relationships are normal, Zuma’s activities cross a dangerous line when they appear to involve military recruitment or 'security-related operations' that contradict South Africa’s official stance.

He says Zuma’s actions undermine Pretoria’s stated position of non-alignment in the Russia-Ukraine war and jeopardise diplomatic efforts by President Cyril Ramaphosa, who has been engaging both Kyiv and Moscow in pursuit of peace.

"When a former president who bears the status and the title of the former president of South Africa, and other people still generously call him president because they want to respect that title, when he does the opposite and he's seen to be facilitating recruitment of people to fight on the Russian side, it doesn't matter whether they were fighting, even if they were fighting on the Ukrainian side, it will still be wrong. Diplomatically, but also in terms of legislation."

Mkhabela further cautions that the alleged recruitment of fighters extends beyond South Africa, with Botswana citizens reportedly drawn in, a development that could strain relations between the neighbouring countries.

"Zuma or anyone associated with him in MK, or his daughter, if any one of those people is involved, that would be a crime.

“The latest revelations around this scandal also involve another country with which South Africa has friendly relations, and that is Botswana.

It is alleged that there are two Botswana citizens who have also been recruited in Russia to fight in the war So that might also now complicate our relationship with Botswana."

He stresses that any involvement in foreign mercenary activity is illegal under South African law and risks damaging the country’s international standing.

To listen to Mkhabela in conversation with 702 and CapeTalk's Mandy Wiener, click below: