Pretoria: The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) has formally expressed its objection and concern over the circumstances surrounding a recent visit by a prominent South African leader. Former South African President Jacob Zuma, who leads the Umkhonto We Sizwe Party, traveled to the Kingdom of Morocco and engaged in discussions with Nasser Bourita, Morocco's Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccan Expatriates, during a meeting in Rabat on July 15, 2025.
According to African Press Organization, the South African government, through DIRCO, respects Morocco's sovereign right to host individuals and groups. However, it strongly opposes the use of South African national symbols, specifically the South African National Flag, during the meeting between Mr. Jacob Zuma and Morocco's Foreign Minister. DIRCO argues that the use of the national flag in this context, involving a political party leader who is a non-state actor, violates protocol and decorum.
The department emphasized that the incident undermines official bilateral relations between the Republic of South Africa and the Kingdom of Morocco. South Africa's stance reflects its commitment to maintaining the integrity of its national symbols and ensuring that diplomatic interactions adhere to established protocols.