Pretoria hits back: ‘Non-state actor’ Zuma’s Morocco meeting ‘undermines’ diplomacy

South Africa has objected MK Party leader and former President Jacob Zuma’s use of South African national symbols during his recent visit to Morocco, where he met with several government officials.

This follows Zuma’s meeting with Morocco’s Foreign Affairs Minister Nasser Bourita in Rabat, where he used the South African flag to show support for the country over Western Sahara’s sovereignty.

On Wednesday afternoon, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) said that it objected to the use of these national symbols by a non-state actor.

“The use of the South African National Flag in a meeting with a member of a political party in opposition, which is a non-state actor, constitutes an abuse of existing protocol and decorum,” Dirco said.

“This undermines official bilateral relations between the Republic of South Africa and the Kingdom of Morocco.”

Dirco says that using national symbols, such as the South African flag, implies state endorsement and creates the perception of state-to-state engagement.

However, Zuma’s use of national symbols did not follow South Africa’s established diplomatic protocol, as the participants did not represent the “official positions or engagements” of the South African state.

Therefore, the department says the MK Party leader’s interaction with Moroccan officials cannot be recognised as an official bilateral meeting.

“South Africa holds the firm view that the use of its national symbols in contexts implying official state endorsement of non-governmental engagements is inappropriate, irrespective of setting,” Dirco said.

“[To maintain cordial and friendly bilateral relations]  South Africa respectfully encourages the Government of the Kingdom of Morocco to refrain from such actions.”

Zuma’s trip to the North African country was met with heavy criticism from those back home, arguing that it marks a betrayal of the African Union’s advocacy for Sahrawi self-determination.

The Pan African Forum’s Dr. David Nyekorach-Matsanga formally condemned Zuma’s actions, describing them as violating the AU’s principles.

“Western Sahara is a recognised member state of the African Union, and its right to self-determination is protected under Article 20 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights,” Nyekorach-Matsang said.

Through MK Party officials, Zuma defended his trip, with the party stating that they “don’t owe the ANC, DA, or any organisation answers but MKP members.”

They said that the Morocco visit focused on endorsing Morocco’s Western Sahara claim and sought “developmental support.”