Democratic Alliance warns Ramaphosa to tread carefully after reinforcing loyalty to Russia

JOHANNESBURG - As President Cyril Ramaphosa makes his way back home from the BRICS Summit in Russia, the Democratic Alliance (DA) has warned him to tread carefully.

The party’s International Relations spokesperson, Emma Powel, using the social media app X, said The Presidency's arrogance will not end well.

The DA has been opposed to Ramaphosa’s declaration that Russia remains a valuable and loyal friend to South Africa.

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The rejection of those sentiments by the DA has resulted in a public clash between the DA and the African National Congress (ANC) over the country’s approach to foreign policy.

A post on X by presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya, saying Ramaphosa cannot be micro-managed in executing the country’s foreign policy, has caught the ire of DA leaders.

This has seen several members of the blue party - weighing in on the matter - including Powell who’s warned The Presidency that the arrogance won't end well.

She’s also been quick to remind Ramaphosa that he was elected to high office with the DA's help and that he continues to enjoy support in parliament on matters such as passing laws and the budget.

Meanwhile, Ryan Coetzee one of the party’s negotiators during the Government of National Unity talks has flagged that the ANC was worried about the creation of silos or governments within a government – urging parties to go back to the negotiation table if the existing agreement has changed