Build One South Africa leader Mmusi Maimane would be amenable to travelling to Washington to deal with the diplomatic impasse between South Africa and the US.
In two television interviews – one with Newzroom Afrika and one with eNCA – he expressed frustration that non-governmental delegations have visited Washington, while the country’s government has not done so. This has seen “partisan” and “narrow” interests purporting to represent South Africa.
He added that there had been an unfortunate delay in reaching out to the US, following its election last year when “urgency should have been required”.
“Silence in this instance is not golden, and sitting back and [hoping] for the best is not the best strategy,” he said.
Maimane also said that if South Africa chose to be non-aligned, it should not be “favouritist”. Where this was not adhered to “don’t be surprised when you have to pick up consequences”.
Maimane pointed to India as an example of a country that had managed its relationship with the US.
Turning to the idea of a delegation to the US, Maimane said that it needed to represent South Africa’s population. Asked if he would like to be part of it, he responded: “Absolutely, because I think you need a voice that doesn’t reflect narrow partisan views, you need a voice that will represent all South Africans, because part of what’s been toxic that’s been coming out from the US-South Africa relation is the resurgence of some form of racial baiting on either end … I think I would present a position that says in the interests of black, white, Indian, coloured, English, Afrikaans, Tswana, Zulu, whichever language it is, I’ve had [the] opportunity to work across the range to be able to speak on the interests of all South Africans.”
Maimane currently serves as Chairperson of Parliament’s Standing Committee on Appropriations, and as one of BOSA’s two parliamentary representatives.