The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) has expressed its strong objection and concern regarding the recent visit of former South African President Jacob Zuma, an eminent leader and head of the uMkhonto weSizwe Party.
This is after he visited the Kingdom of Morocco and met with Nasser Bourita, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates in Rabat on 15 July 2025.
“While we respect the sovereign right of Morocco to invite individuals and groups, DIRCO, on behalf of the Government of the Republic of South Africa, strongly protests the use of South African national symbols, in this instance the use of the South African National Flag, in the meeting between Mr Jacob Zuma and the Foreign Minister of the Kingdom of Morocco,” the statement read.
According to DIRCO, using the South African National Flag during a meeting with a member of an opposition political party, which is considered a non-State actor, is an abuse of established protocol and decorum.
In addition, the department said this practice undermines the official bilateral relations between South Africa and Morocco.
“South Africa has indicated to the Kingdom of Morocco that the display of national symbols inherently conveys official State endorsement and elevates the perception of the encounter to that of a state-to-state engagement. This characterisation is inconsistent with established diplomatic protocol, as the participants did not represent the official positions or engagements of the South African State.
“Consequently, this portrayal cannot be recognised as an official bilateral meeting, and the implications drawn from it are firmly rejected.”
Meanwhile, the department said government 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 the setting“.
“In the spirit of fostering and maintaining cordial and friendly bilateral relations, and consistent with the fundamental principles of mutual respect between sovereign States and non-interference in internal affairs, South Africa respectfully encourages the Government of the Kingdom of Morocco to refrain from such actions.
“Upholding these shared principles is essential for the continued positive development of relations between our two nations.” – SAnews.gov.za
