South Africa’s foreign policy is once again in the international spotlight. In May 2025, following renewed, high-profile engagement between President Cyril Ramaphosa and US President Donald Trump, questions around our diplomatic priorities, trade allegiances, and ideological positioning have returned to the fore. In a world where global alliances are shifting and scrutiny from Washington has intensified, the stakes for South Africa’s next moves are higher than ever.
Against this backdrop, ALI SA is convening its next Dialogue: South Africa: Navigating Geopolitical Shifts. The session will feature a keynote by Ebrahim Rasool, former South African Ambassador to the United States—widely respected for his principled leadership in diplomacy, governance, and community engagement.
He will be joined by:
• Simon Freemantle, Senior Political Economist at Standard Bank
• Cobus van Wyngaard, Associate Professor of Systematic Theology, University of South Africa
The discussion will explore South Africa’s evolving foreign policy posture, from the United States’ recent imposition of tariffs and suspension of aid, to Pretoria’s assertive role within BRICS and at the International Court of Justice. With global pressures mounting, the dialogue will interrogate what this moment demands of South African diplomacy, how to balance competing international interests, and what strategic choices lie ahead for business, civil society, and the state.
This promises to be a timely and thought-provoking conversation—one that will unpack the complexities of navigating a multipolar world while upholding national interests and constitutional values.
The Dialogue will be held on 18 June 2025. RSVPs close on 13 June. To receive the registration link, please contact us at enquiries@alisa.co.za.
