Zuma Defies Pretoria Over Morocco Visit, Exposes ANC’s Diplomatic Hypocrisy
Marrakech, The Gulf Observer: Former South African President Jacob Zuma has strongly rejected Pretoria’s diplomatic objections over his recent visit to Morocco, declaring that the national flag “belongs to the citizens, not the government.”
Zuma’s defiant remarks were accompanied by evidence showing that his trip had been fully coordinated with South Africa’s embassy in Rabat, exposing what he described as the African National Congress (ANC) government’s “double standards” and “political hypocrisy” on the international stage.
“The South African flag doesn’t belong to the government. Every citizen owns the flag,” Zuma said at a press briefing in Sandton, dismissing concerns raised by International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola.
The controversy began after Zuma met Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita on July 15 in Rabat, where both South African and Moroccan flags were displayed. The ANC government, which maintains a pro-Polisario stance on the Sahara issue, condemned the flag display, calling it a violation of protocol.
However, official documents revealed that the South African Embassy in Rabat had formally requested VIP arrangements for Zuma’s visit, including the use of the honor salon at Rabat-Salé airport, and had provided all travel details for his delegation.
Despite Pretoria’s objections, Moroccan sources confirmed that the South African flag was displayed at Zuma’s request as a gesture of respect. Morocco has previously welcomed political delegations from the ANC, reflecting its openness to dialogue.
During his visit, Zuma stated that his Umkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party supports Morocco’s Autonomy Plan for the Sahara, which he said “ensures local governance while safeguarding Morocco’s sovereignty.”
The ANC’s leadership reacted sharply, with Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula branding Zuma a “sellout.” Political analysts note that the incident highlights the ANC’s rigid ideological stance, which is increasingly at odds with the majority of African nations that now support or acknowledge Morocco’s territorial integrity.
More than two-thirds of African countries now align with Morocco’s position, leaving South Africa diplomatically isolated on the issue. While Pretoria focuses on symbolic disputes such as flag protocol, Morocco continues to strengthen its international support for the autonomy initiative as a path to lasting peace and development in the region.
