U.S. tariffs push South Africa to revive ties with Türkiye after 12 years

During a visit to Türkiye this week, South African Deputy President Paul Mashatile called for deeper collaboration between Turkish and African investors as the two countries officially activated the long-delayed bilateral commission, Türkiye today reported

The Türkiye–South Africa Bi-National Commission, first agreed upon in 2012, officially became operational on Oct. 15, marking what Mashatile described as a new chapter in political, economic, and trade relations between the two nations.

“I was here to formally launch this commission,” Mashatile said. “Now there is a permanent mechanism in place to regulate relations between the two countries.” he added.

Mashatile made the remarks at the Türkiye–Africa Business and Economic Forum in Istanbul, an annual gathering organized by Türkiye’s Ministry of Trade, the African Union, and the Foreign Economic Relations Board, which has been convening uninterrupted for over ten years.

Emphasizing the role of the private sector, he said, “The role of the state is to create an environment where business people can trade and establish partnerships.”

He added that energy would be a priority area, noting South Africa’s plans to expand production, build transmission lines, and harness renewable sources like solar and wind, areas where Turkish expertise could play a crucial role.

Turkish companies are already active in South Africa across multiple sectors. Agreements signed in Ankara included commitments on skills training, higher education cooperation, free trade zones, investment promotion, and technology transfer.

Mashatile underscored South Africa’s focus on value creation: “We don’t want to just export raw materials and buy processed products from Türkiye. We want products to be manufactured in South Africa and create added value here.”

Beyond trade and industry, the two countries have also found common ground in recent geopolitical affairs. Both South Africa and Türkiye have been among the most vocal critics of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, condemning the humanitarian toll and calling for accountability under international law.

Beyond trade, the two countries have also found common ground in recent geopolitical affairs. Both South Africa and Türkiye have been among the most vocal critics of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, condemning the humanitarian toll and calling for accountability under international law.

“The truth is, Israel is not one of South Africa’s largest trading partners, so it has not been a problem,” Mashatile told reporters. “Of course, they are not happy that we support Palestine, but we support many countries where innocent people are being oppressed, where women and children are being killed.”

He addes, “These days, tariffs are being used as a weapon against those who don’t agree with you. But we are determined to support innocent people who are under pressure, seeking freedom. We advocate for justice and peace. You’re right, this will bring some difficulties, but we have chosen this path.”

As U.S. tariffs continue to bite and Washington grows increasingly inaccessible to Pretoria, South Africa’s pivot to Ankara, a partner with which it had maintained limited contact for years, underscores a broader strategic shift in its foreign and trade policy.

Positioning South Africa as a gateway to broader African markets, Mashatile said, “If Turkish companies are positioned in South Africa, access to opportunities in the Southern African Development Community region and Sub-Saharan Africa becomes possible.”