- Fikile Mbalula has rejected claims that US companies could pull investments from South Africa
- Major US companies continue to see South Africa as a strong market for business, the Secretary-General of the African National Congress said
- His comments came as he refuted suggestions that foreign pressure could influence South Africa's international relations policy
Source: Getty Images
johannesburg — Fikile Mbalula The comments were made by the new ambassador to the United States in a dismissive statement saying that South Africa's foreign policy will not be determined by outside powers.
African National Congress The (ANC) Secretary General took to Twitter (formerly Twitter) to defend the country's sovereignty in international relations and reassure investors about South Africa's economic stability, where his posts quickly gained popularity.
Mbalula was responding to comments made by US Ambassador Leo Bozell during an address at the BizNews conference in Hermanus, where he said United States private sector investment in South Africa could depend on the country's policy direction.
Investors' exit claims rejected
in his postMbalula rejected suggestions that major US corporations might withdraw from the South African market due to political tensions.
He said claims that companies such as Amazon, Google, Visa and Microsoft could pull out of South Africa are “baseless”.
According to Mbalula, the presence of international companies despite Donald Trump's administration not attending the recent G20 summit reflects continued confidence in the country's economy.
He also pointed to Walmart's expansion into the South African market as proof that global corporations still see the country as an attractive investment destination.
“South Africa is open for business and is a safe destination for global companies to do business,” Mbalula said.
South Africa's foreign policy “is not to be dictated by outsiders”
Mbalula said South Africa welcomes diplomats and international partners but made it clear that decisions about the country's global stance will be made domestically.
“We must make it clear to everyone we welcome to our beautiful country, including the new US Ambassador, that South Africa's international relations policy will not be decided by anyone but the people of South Africa and their government,” he wrote.
His comments come amid diplomatic tensions and ongoing debate about South Africa's position in global geopolitics, particularly its support for a multipolar world order.
ANC supports multipolar global order
The ANC leader reiterated that South Africa's foreign policy is rooted in multilateralism and respect for international law.
He said the country supports a “multipolar world”, a system where global power is shared among many countries rather than dominated by a single state.
“We reiterate that South Africa believes in a multipolar world that respects international law and the international institutions that support the multilateralism system,” he said.
There was a flood of reactions on social media
Mbalula's post immediately sparked widespread reactions. Some users praised the ANC secretary general for defending the country's sovereignty and rejecting perceived pressure from foreign governments. Others were more critical, arguing that strong economic ties with the United States remain vital to South Africa's development and stability.
@StHonorable said:
“The truth is that our international policy is never determined by the people of South Africa, but by the party leading the government. In this case, your party's international policy is what is dominant. Since you are leading with another party, this should not be the case.”
@AngusDouglas14 argued:
“He was not trying to dictate to you, just giving you constructive advice. If you can't take it, this country will become Zimbabwe, and then where will the Zimbabwean refugees go for work?”
@UnityInSA wrote:
“This is the first time I saw a foreign ambassador demanding something from a sovereign government. It was very disrespectful and disrespectful. I hope they realize they need to have a better way to communicate with the government and its people.”
@KhandaniM explained:
“But a foreign policy that is not driven by economic fundamentals is not serving the country; foreign affairs must serve the interests of the country, and I see no benefit for us in our present situation.”
@PalAdvent said:
“The sovereignty of the country must be respected! The agenda of wanting to suppress someone just because they are a so-called superpower must stop.”
EFF challenges US ambassador's comments
economic freedom Fighters (EFF) have Criticized for comments made by the United States Ambassador In South Africa, Leo Brent Bozell III described him as interfering in the country's domestic and foreign policy. In a statement issued on Wednesday, 11 March 2026, the party said it strongly condemned the comments made by Bozel during an address at the Biznews conference in Hermanus. The EFF said the United States has no authority over South Africa's domestic or foreign policy agenda and described it as external pressure from Washington.
Source: Twitter
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