We went there to provide fact-based info, says DA about US trip

DA branded microphone and flags seen at a press briefing.

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The Democratic Alliance (DA) has sought to clarify its recent visit to the United States, saying that it was aimed at providing fact-based information to the Trump administration.

This is as relations between the US and South Africa remain tense following a termination of aid by President Donald Trump, based on policies including the Expropriation Act– which he described as raced based and aimed at targeting a minority.

The DA’s spokesperson and MP, Emma Louise Powell, says the DA represents all people of South Africa, and not just a minority.

“We were able to have some discussions about the significance and absolutely dire implications of the Pepfar and aid cuts. So, really it was just open, direct communication channels, to make sure that the decision makers were receiving accurate and credible information- and to ask them what a pathway towards de-escalation and stabilisation of the relationship looks like and to find out what was required from the United States. You must remember that the DA forms part of the South African government, we’re the second largest stakeholder, there’s no party in this nation that has an outright majority, so it’s coalition country. We definitely didn’t go there to negotiate on behalf of the government.”

VIDEO| DA MP, Emma Powell, that DA met with key decision makers during its trip to the US:

Meanwhile, International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola, has slammed DA’s visit.

Lamola says while the DA is part of the Government of National Unity (GNU), the country’s foreign policy is the prerogative of the country’s executive.

“The South African foreign policy is the responsibility of the National Executive, the GNU, does not supersede the constitution of the country. In terms of representing South Africa, anywhere in the world and to put its aspirations and its national interest, it is vested to the National Executive, which is led by the President and also the Department of International Relations. There’s nothing wrong with parties going to Washington, or anywhere in the world, as long as they don’t portray themselves as representing the South African government- like the DA is doing. They are not bestowed or mandated by the constitution.”