Zuma says SA’s foreign policy is independent

By Khanyisa Tabata
13 October 2011

President Jacob Zuma has clarified South Africa’s foreign policy, saying it was independent and issues of national interest are made public.

Delivering a lecture on South Africa’s foreign policy at the University of Pretoria today, Zuma said Pretoria was not dictated to by other countries, individuals or lobby groups.

He said the government looks at what is of benefit to the South African people, and what will advance domestic priorities at that given time.

Government has come under fire recently over the delay in the visa application of spiritual leader Dalai Lama, with some assuming that Pretoria was being pressurised by China.