Powell: Middle East conflict drove wedge between ANC, DA

Questions have been raised about the future of South Africa's foreign
policy under the government of national unity. This as various parties
hold differing geo-political views, including on conflicts. DA international relations spokesperson Emma Powell says the DA and ANC's stance on the war in the Middle East haven't been too dissimilar. "It was a political narrative around the election season that sought to use this as a wedge issue and to polarise our positions to score political points."
Tune into Newzroom Afrika DStv channel 405 for more.

[@Sharon2389]

Xolani should have just handed this woman a mic and left her to talk. This was no interview but a propaganda speech.

[@vusisa6937]

DA is never asked tough questions.

[@thulasnkosi9641]

I agree he has a soft spot for the right wingers

[@Rain-lb9xf]

They like using the law for they benefit. Don't interfere with international issues. We are south African. Let the Un deal with their own issues.

[@africanqueen1655]

Let’s acknowledge that Isra3l’s leaders & population are Eastern European cousins of the DA.🧬 Same people & same mindset. 🙏🏿🙌🏾

[@user-tl3pg1uw7m]

Does the DA condem the atrocities by Israeli death force using human beings as human shields????!

[@shafiyaalgiquadra1105]

No, no we do not. But since we cannot leave it there and not be said to be ghouls, we do not think they have gone far enough to call it atrocities. However, the DA will be the first to step in when actual* atrocities are committed.

[@not.likely]

So you agree that Hamas used Palestinians as human shields

[@shafiyaalgiquadra1105]

No, no we do not.

[@fanievilankulu6412]

You are Saying as anc usinganc usin da as human shild in one country

[@not.likely]

@@fanievilankulu6412 you are right.

[@SAapproves]

We stand with Russia & Palestine simple 🤷🏾‍♂️

[@gabeebcornelius]

Xolani just a correction, it’s a Israel-Hamas war. Is an annihilation of the Palestinian people.

[@gabeebcornelius]

The GNU is not a choice it was a mandate…so the DA cannot see this as an opportunity to bully the role players on the GNU.

[@not.likely]

@@gabeebcornelius there was no consensus amongst DA voters to join the GNU. So you get what voted for

[@MBReader410]

DA, please! Emma Powell is a walking communications disaster. Keep her in the research department.

[@W.GlobalAffairs]

Does the DA condemn Israel 50 year occupation of Palestine Westbank and the the Israeli settlements there? The chief prosecutor of ICC has requested arrest warrants for Netanyahu and leaders of Israeli army. Does the DA support that ICC arrest warrant request? And, newsroom, please ensure you are fully informed about topics before you speak about them. These questions am asking, you should have asked the DA coz they are relevant questions when it comes to both Ukraine and Palestine issues. If you don have a fact checker, you can always use my services

[@tyroneaskew5594]

😂

[@silaskhalishwayo]

No they don't....even apartheid and colonization was good for black people as their leader said.

[@Rain-lb9xf]

Well said.

[@mlulekishezi1798]

This must be clear to DA. South Africa stands with Palestinians and Russians

[@ayaNjah]

Yes! They must just accept it!

[@menzimngadi6793]

She is contradicting John Steenhuisen

[@user-ez9en7vk2z]

There is more pressing matters in SA that needs attention. More people are murdered in SA than killed in Gaza

[@thetad1242]

You are talking crap. Real bull shit

[@user-ez9en7vk2z]

@@thetad1242 🤣🤣🤣 the emotional outburst with no real opinion or facts to further the debate. Typical pitchfork wielding lynch mob.

[@ShavhiMunyamela]

Mxm! You are not that clever my friend, You are conflicting issues, domestic issues have relevant authorities to deal with them, this is international affairs, they also have relevent authorities, hence we have many many ministers, stop being ignorant

[@user-ez9en7vk2z]

@@ShavhiMunyamela with 2 degrees & a MENSA membership (google it) I might just be. Its extra funny when you doubt someone's intelligence but don't know how to use conflicting correctly.... 🤣🤣🤣🤣 Typical 🙈🙉🙊

[@user-ez9en7vk2z]

@@thetad1242 85 murders in SA a day. That surpasses all war zones worldwide.... Probably not shocking when most South Africans r v1olent in nature. The deaths in Gaza has not been verified by anyone ... just claims by Hamas medical ministry. Till then it should be seen as fiction or bold propaganda.

[@ShavhiMunyamela]

What i have observed in these two wars is that DA is entangling themselves, their stance in Israel Gaza is exactly the opposite on that Russia Ukraine, whereas ANC has been more clever and consistent on Russia they want peace not war, but US want war not peace, In Gaza Anc want Freedom of Palestine, US is in denial on that, DA is just following the money whether blood money or not, Anc is following Humanity

[@ayanda6862]

Doez she condemn the 70 year old occupation

[@vuyoboltina1617]

I'd write a book about her responses or positions in this interview. . .It's a nasty word salad of political rhetoric that can be likened to a poorly constructed salad, where each ingredient represents a different aspect of her evasive and unconvincing discourse. The base of this salad is formed by wilted lettuce leaves, symbolizing her insubstantial promises and general statements about peace and diplomacy. Sprinkled on top are stale croutons, representing her vague references to the rule of law and leaving determinations to the court, which fail to add any real substance. The dressing, a greasy and overbearing vinaigrette, represents her convoluted explanations and evasive language, which coat her message in a way that makes it appear substantial but ultimately leaves it heavy and unsatisfying. Adding to the repulsion, the salad contains chunks of raw garlic and overly sour pickles, symbolizing the contradictions and evasions in her rhetoric that stand out awkwardly and make the entire proposition unpalatable. In essence, her discourse is an unappetizing mix that fails to deliver a clear, convincing argument. This poor construction of rhetoric reflects the broader political landscape of our country, where people are often forced to consume whatever is given to them without question. Politicians seem indifferent to whether their statements make sense, a disregard that is mirrored in the dire state of our communities. Hunger and poverty are rampant, while a privileged few remain aloof and uncaring. A revolt seems imminent, as the people grow increasingly frustrated with the lack of genuine concern from their leaders. The politicians, however, remain oblivious, ensconced in their comfort zones, policing each other instead of addressing the real issues. This disconnect between the leaders and the led is not only unsustainable but dangerously close to boiling over.

[@silversleuth4961]

Viva Russia! DA is AngoAmerica Lite!

[@RazoMarazo]

This constiturion must change that the only way to begin and moving foward

[@andilendlovu5447]

At 6:26 I think it becomes clear how the DA views the power of citizens... in this very short and forgettable moment, it's clear that the law is a tool for those in power, it is not an expression of the people's will.

[@pappadontpreach7738]

The way she says KKhhhamas says it all.

[@GwabiniMfwethu]

They’re changing their tune… it’s all good though because they’re leaning towards humanity.

[@Sifisomabanga]

Talking crap about Russia

[@warickdonrastafarian]

The bible warn us against this monsters with them grand shuites and ties but look like its only me who regognise them today i feel asame for my people im moses

[@riasmith1843]

Thank you for making it clear .... In a good civilised way...

[@MBReader410]

Emma Powell says some sensible things, but her tone!

[@warickdonrastafarian]

Do you know devils they are the most beutifull but mean nothing all of this is like a vempire movie

[@warickdonrastafarian]

Now i see why god chosin people is only a few cause the most become demons they look beutifull outside but exaly hand in hand with the devil

[@Sankishi2024]

Well said Powell

[@silaskhalishwayo]

She's talking nonsense

[@vuyoboltina1617]

Emma Powell masterfully crafts statements that, while seemingly substantial, often leave listeners searching for clarity, So, a meaningless "Knotted word Salad". Her declaration, ". . .to bring about peace and we must do so using all mechanisms necessary including every available diplomatic uh Avenue that is available to us. . ." ostensibly commits to a broad array of solutions. However, when confronted with the suggestion of approaching the International Court of Justice (ICJ), it becomes evident that her party, the Democratic Alliance (DA), historically opposed this very measure. The inconsistency is stark and troubling. Further, her statement on the issue of genocide is a delicate dance around the heart of the matter: ". . . what we have not said is that the DA believes that a genocide is being committed and that is for a very simple reason the DA is a party of the rule of law it is not up to uh the public uh or ordinary civilians to make a legal determination on whether or not genocide is being committed now each one of us is free to our subjective opinion as to whether or not genocide is taking place I represent a political party I represent a constituency almost 4 million voters and it is not up to me to make a determination on the basis of what I subjectively feel and that is why we have said that we will leave this question to the court. . ." Here, Powell artfully dodges direct responsibility by deferring to legal authorities. Yet, this evasion raises a critical point: how can the courts make such a determination without the case being brought before them? The very act of going to court implies an initial belief or opinion that warrants judicial review. Powell’s reluctance to assert a stance inadvertently ties her into a knot of contradiction, undermining the credibility of her argument. The call for judicial intervention is hollow without the proactive step of engaging the International Criminal Court (ICC), a step that the DA hesitates to take. Thus, Powell’s statements, while polished and diplomatically phrased, reveal a fundamental inconsistency in the party's approach to serious allegations such as genocide. By avoiding a definitive position and the necessary legal channels to address it, the DA’s stance remains ambiguously entangled, leaving their intentions and commitments open to scrutiny.

[@masambeni]

Does SA condemn Hamas? Will SA arrest Putin?

[@wondermqedlana5615]

Arrest Putin for what, if I may ask???

[@masambeni]

@wondermqedlana5615 don't you read the news? He is wanted by interpol. There is a warrant out for his arrest.

[@Zanele-zz5mf]

​@@masambeni stop watching the western news

[@sammlamlijacobs1691]

The question still stands " arrest Putin for what ? "... that's the type of response you give when you don't know what you're talking about. As for "don't you watch the knows" as if that's a reliable source of information. Western propaganda will get you nowhere. And stop consuming misinformation and call it "new" because it comes from a TV screen.

[@JohanThiart]

@@masambenilet’s invite Netanyahu to visit South Africa to discuss the Middle East conflict and see what happens. Putin did not take risk to go to SA for BRICKS ….. Who thinks Netanyahu is a thick as a 🧱….

[@emmanuelmalimbo1148]

South Africa, Israel is in its land Arabs are settlers, Islamic fales narrative about Palestinians created by Yesa Arafat.

[@Paperscissor183]

Yet we have Orania that was created settlers

[@ayanda6862]

Dna test tell a different story.its show palestianians and Maronite Christians are connected to individuals buried their 3700 years ago. The askenazi have Europe dna

[@gabeebcornelius]

Xolani just a correction, it’s a Israel-Hamas war. Is an annihilation of the Palestinian people.