South Africa's foreign service has come under scrutiny for its tendency to appoint politicians to diplomatic positions, sparking concerns about the country's global standing. According to Ofentse Donald Davhie, a research associate at the Centre for Risk Analysis, using the diplomatic corps as a pension fund for ousted politicians undermines South Africa's reputation when expertise matters most. The issue was highlighted recently with the appointment of Ayanda Dlodlo as ambassador to France, a position previously held by Nathi Mthethwa, a former police and arts minister.
While political appointments are not inherently bad, the problem lies in the qualifications and rationale behind the selections. The Constitution grants the President the prerogative to make such appointments, and sometimes a political figure may be the better choice. However, the governing party's approach has raised concerns, with 62% of South Africa's ambassadors being political appointees. This trend is evident in the appointment of Roelf Meyer, a key negotiator who helped broker South Africa's democratic transition, as an ambassador.
The issue is not just about the number of political appointments but also the caliber of individuals being appointed. Many of these appointees come from the ANC's roster of former ministers and senior officials, whose domestic performance has been questioned. For instance, Dlodlo's most senior post was state security, which presided over intelligence failures during the July 2021 unrest. While she also has experience working at the World Bank, the selection logic has been criticized for being upside down.
The ANC's approach to diplomatic appointments has been questioned, particularly in light of the party's poor performance in recent elections. The party fell below half the national vote for the first time in 2024 and had to enter a coalition to continue governing. This outcome was, in part, a verdict on how ANC cadres ran the state, including the loadshedding years, collapsing municipalities, and hollowed-out state firms.
The preference for political appointments over career diplomats has resulted in several diplomatic posts being left vacant. For example, South Africa's high commission in Canberra has had no permanent head since June 2023, the longest vacancy of any post outside Africa. This has raised concerns about the country's ability to effectively represent its interests abroad.
The issue is not just about the individuals being appointed but also the broader implications for South Africa's reputation. The country's diplomatic corps is critical in promoting its interests and attracting foreign investment. However, the current approach to appointments may be undermining these efforts, with many questioning the qualifications and expertise of those being appointed.
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation has a budget of R7.227-billion, and the talent is available, but the ANC's approach to appointments remains a constraint. Until the ANC can distinguish between a diplomat and a reward, its appointments abroad will continue to broadcast a reputation that is costing it at home.
Key points
- The ANC's approach to diplomatic appointments has raised concerns about the qualifications and expertise of those being appointed.
- The use of diplomatic positions as a pension fund for ousted politicians undermines South Africa's global standing.
- The country's diplomatic corps is critical in promoting its interests and attracting foreign investment.
