South Africa’s Minister of Transport, Fikile Mbalula, publicly lauded Iran’s historical opposition to apartheid during a recent parliamentary address, a move that has drawn criticism from opposition parties and human rights groups given the Islamic Republic’s current human rights record.
Mbalula’s comments, delivered during a debate on international relations, specifically praised Iran’s support for the African National Congress (ANC) during the apartheid era. He highlighted Iran’s severance of official ties with South Africa in 1979 and the subsequent imposition of a trade boycott as demonstrations of solidarity against the discriminatory policies. This historical stance, he argued, formed a crucial part of the foundation for ongoing diplomatic relations.
However, Mbalula’s praise was immediately met with calls for him to also address the present-day human rights situation in Iran. Critics pointed to the regime’s suppression of dissent, particularly the brutal crackdown on protests following the death of Mahsa Amini in 2022 and its continued sponsorship of regional proxies. The Democratic Alliance, South Africa’s official opposition, issued a statement demanding clarification on whether Mbalula’s remarks represented the government’s official position.
The relationship between South Africa and Iran has been complex and, at times, controversial. Following the end of apartheid in 1994, diplomatic relations were swiftly re-established, and economic ties were renewed. Iran lifted all trade and economic sanctions against South Africa in January of that year. In the years that followed, Iran became a significant supplier of crude oil to South Africa, reaching a peak in 2007 when it was the largest supplier. Sasol, the South African energy and chemical company, even entered into a $900 million joint venture with Iran’s Pars Petrochemicals Company to produce polymers, forming the Arya Sasol Polymer Company. However, Sasol later divested from the project in 2013 due to international sanctions.
Despite international pressure and sanctions imposed on Iran over its nuclear program and human rights record, South Africa has consistently maintained a relatively neutral stance. According to a report from the Middle East Africa Research Institute (MEARI), South Africa has frequently shielded Iran at the United Nations and the International Atomic Energy Agency, often abstaining from votes on sanctions or voting against them outright. This position has been attributed, in part, to the historical support Iran provided to the ANC during the anti-apartheid struggle, and a continuing ideological alignment.
The ANC government’s continued alignment with Iran, as highlighted by MEARI, is increasingly viewed as being at odds with South Africa’s own constitution, which champions human rights, equality, and freedom. The report suggests that this foreign policy choice is beginning to carry real-world consequences for South Africa’s economic and diplomatic credibility.
Currently, the state of trade between the two nations is significantly diminished from its peak in the mid-2000s, particularly following the halting of oil imports from Iran a decade ago. However, diplomatic engagement continues, with both countries maintaining embassies in each other’s capitals – South Africa’s in Tehran and Iran’s in Pretoria.
As of today, the South African Department of International Relations and Cooperation has not issued a statement responding to the criticism of Mbalula’s remarks, nor has it indicated any intention to reassess its relationship with Iran. A scheduled meeting between South African and Iranian trade officials is still planned for later this month to discuss potential areas for renewed economic cooperation.
