South Africa is strengthening ties with Türkiye after years of limited engagement, as rising trade tensions with the United States push Pretoria to seek new international partners. The revival of a long-delayed cooperation mechanism between the two nations marks a major step toward diversified global partnerships.
The Türkiye–South Africa Bi-National Commission, initially agreed upon in 2012, officially became operational on October 15, creating a permanent framework to regulate bilateral relations. Deputy President Paul Mashatile, who led the delegation to Türkiye this week, said the activation represents a new phase in political, economic, and trade cooperation.
Reviving Long-Delayed Cooperation
Speaking at the Türkiye–Africa Business and Economic Forum in Istanbul, Mashatile highlighted that the commission will help deepen collaboration in key sectors, particularly energy, industrial development, and investment promotion.
The South African government emphasized that energy remains a top priority, with plans to expand production capacity, modernize transmission systems, and develop renewable sources such as solar and wind. Turkish expertise in infrastructure and technology is expected to play a vital role in these efforts.
Agreements signed during the visit included commitments in skills training, higher education partnerships, investment facilitation, and technology transfer.
Economic Cooperation and Shared Outlook
South Africa’s renewed engagement with Türkiye also reflects broader political understanding between the two nations. Both have been vocal in recent months about humanitarian crises, including the conflict in Gaza, calling for peace and accountability under international law.
As U.S. tariffs increasingly affect trade flows, Pretoria’s outreach to Ankara underscores a strategic shift toward more balanced and mutually beneficial partnerships.
A Strategic Pivot Toward Ankara
Analysts say this pivot could position South Africa as a gateway for Turkish companies seeking access to African markets, particularly within the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region.
The revival of the Türkiye–South Africa Bi-National Commission after 12 years demonstrates both countries’ determination to build a stronger, future-oriented partnership rooted in cooperation, shared development goals, and regional opportunity.