Emma Powell resigns as the DA's international relations spokesperson

Democratic Alliance (DA) MP Emma Powell has resigned from her role as the party’s spokesperson on International Relations following allegations that she spread disinformation about the South African government during a visit to the United States.

In a statement released on Monday, Powell said she had decided to step down after more than two years in the role, citing the personal and political toll of her work.

“Over the past two and a half years, I have travelled the world on behalf of my party, first as shadow minister and later as national spokesperson, speaking out against some of the most repressive and brutal regimes in the world,” Powell said.

She claimed that her work defending South Africa’s constitutional values on the global stage resulted in threats, intimidation, harassment, and illegal surveillance.

“Driven by my commitment to the DA’s foundational principles, I accepted these risks as the unavoidable cost of standing up to and exposing DIRCO (Department of International Relations and Cooperation) and the ANC’s relationships with authoritarian regimes,” she said.

Powell said her resignation came at a time when she believed she had contributed as much as possible to the DA's international agenda, particularly in the Government of National Unity (GNU).

“In an environment that rewards expediency, truly principled leadership is rare and often costly,” she said. 

“We must each do what is possible to tip the world’s axis toward freedom, but good leaders know when it is time to step back and allow others to carry the baton forward.”

The DA confirmed her resignation in a separate statement, saying Powell had “chosen” to step down. 

The party thanked her for her service and announced that she would soon be reassigned to a new portfolio.

“Powell remains a valued member of the DA caucus in Parliament, and we will soon announce her new portfolio allocation,” said DA national spokesperson Karabo Khakhau.

The party also announced that Ryan Smith would take over as the new spokesperson on international relations and cooperation.

Powell's resignation follows a controversial DA delegation trip to Washington, DC in March, which included MP Andrew Whitfield, a former deputy minister of trade, industry and competition. 

President Cyril Ramaphosa later fired Whitfield for taking the trip without informing him.

The visit, according to the party, was aimed at strengthening relations between South Africa and the United States, and drew sharp criticism from the ANC-led government.

Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola expressed concern over the DA's actions, arguing that foreign policy matters are the constitutional prerogative of the executive.

“Africa’s non-aligned stance and the advancement of our national interest remain central pillars of South Africa’s foreign policy,” Lamola previously told IOL News. 

“Our nation-building project cannot survive if the majority of our citizens remain in abject poverty.”

Lamola criticised what he described as attempts to misrepresent South Africa’s land reform efforts, particularly the Expropriation Bill, which has drawn international attention and criticism. 

He insisted the bill does not allow arbitrary land seizure.

Tensions between the DA and the ANC further escalated after Powell claimed that Ramaphosa’s envoy to the US, Mcebisi Jonas, had been denied entry and that the US had rejected his diplomatic credentials.

However, the Presidency denied the claims.

The DA, however, defended its US trip, stating the visit was intended to provide “fact-based information” about South Africa’s political and economic challenges.

“These discussions were aimed at ensuring that U.S. leaders receive accurate and fact-based information regarding South Africa’s domestic landscape and the challenges our nation is currently navigating,” Powell said at the time.

Powell also emphasised the importance of maintaining open diplomatic channels with Washington, particularly amid “unnecessary provocations” and strained bilateral relations.

simon.majadibodu@iol.co.za

IOL Politics