A delegation from South Africa's Ministry of Foreign Affairs arrived yesterday at the Tindouf camps. According to the Polisario Front's news agency, «the visit is part of a follow-up to a partnership project between South Africa and the Sahrawi Red Crescent, aimed at distributing five essential food items — sugar, lentils, oil, rice, and pasta — over a three-month period». The visit comes as South African authorities continue to strengthen their support for the Polisario Front. This backing was recently reaffirmed by President Cyril Ramaphosa and Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola during meetings with Mohamed Yeslem Beissat, the Polisario's representative in South Africa. Support also comes from the South African ambassador to Algeria and from left-wing political and trade union groups aligned with the ANC, such as the South African Communist Party and the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU). Since June 30, 2024, South Africa has been governed by a coalition of political parties. However, the African National Congress (ANC), the party of President Ramaphosa and a long-time ally of the Polisario, continues to wield significant influence over the country's foreign policy.
