DA says Ramaphosa’s appointment of Ayanda Dlodlo to Paris post favours ANC loyalty over national interest

President Cyril Ramaphosa’s appointment of Ayanda Dlodlo as South Africa’s new ambassador to France has provoked an immediate political backlash, with the Democratic Alliance (DA) accusing the president of rewarding ANC loyalists over the country’s diplomatic interests. The Presidency confirmed Dlodlo’s appointment on Monday, days before Ramaphosa’s working visit to Paris.

DA: political loyalty above national interest

DA spokesperson on International Relations and Cooperation Ryan Smith described the move as an example of what he called “ANC cadre deployment,” saying it prioritises party loyalty ahead of South Africa’s foreign-policy needs.

“The appointment of State Capture cadre Ayanda Dlodlo as South African ambassador to France is the latest example of President Cyril Ramaphosa placing the interests of ANC cadres above those of South Africa and its foreign policy,” Smith said.

Smith pointed to allegations aired at the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into State Capture, claiming Dlodlo attempted to suppress an inquiry into former president Jacob Zuma’s alleged private intelligence network. He also referred to a Public Protector investigation into a R1.7 billion broadband tender awarded during Dlodlo’s time as Minister of Public Service and Administration.

“The fact that such a key diplomatic and trading partner such as France should have Ayanda Dlodlo as its representative of the South African state is a blight on our foreign service, a stinging insult to the people of South Africa, and another blow to our country’s crumbling international reputation,” Smith said.

Why the post matters

The DA framed the appointment as particularly consequential because France is a major international partner for South Africa. The party said France is South Africa’s largest source of foreign direct investment and noted the presence of more than 400 French companies operating in South Africa across sectors including energy, finance, retail and defence.

Smith argued that such a post should not be entrusted to someone he described as “severely compromised,” adding that diplomatic appointments should be based on competence rather than political affiliation.

“South Africa’s foreign service cannot be hijacked as a convenient means to sweep ANC corruption under the diplomatic rug,” he said. “Our country will never be taken seriously when we send our worst people to represent us to some of our best allies.”

Timing and context

The appointment comes just before Ramaphosa’s planned working visit to Paris, where he is expected to meet French President Emmanuel Macron, co-chair a UNESCO high-level steering committee on education and attend commemorations marking the 110th anniversary of the Battle of Delville Wood.

The diplomatic post had been vacant since the death in Paris of the late ambassador Nathi Mthethwa in October 2025. French investigators later said evidence at the scene suggested a window had been forced open.

Dlodlo’s public record and response

Ayanda Dlodlo, 63, is a former Umkhonto weSizwe cadre who spent much of her youth in exile before entering democratic politics. She served in several Cabinet portfolios, including Communications and Home Affairs under former president Jacob Zuma, and was appointed Minister of Public Service and Administration in 2018 by Ramaphosa. In 2019 she became Minister of State Security.

She resigned from Cabinet and Parliament in April 2022 after accepting an appointment as Executive Director at the World Bank Group, where she represented Angola, Nigeria and South Africa. She held that position until her ambassadorial appointment.

Dlodlo’s tenure in government has been the subject of controversy. The Judicial Commission of Inquiry into State Capture examined allegations related to a parallel intelligence structure during the Zuma administration; the commission heard evidence touching on Dlodlo’s period in office. The DA also cited a Public Protector probe into a broadband procurement. Dlodlo has consistently denied wrongdoing.

Investigation and legal status

Although the State Capture Commission examined evidence relating to Dlodlo’s time in office, the article notes that she has never been criminally charged in connection with the commission’s findings. The broadband procurement matter became the subject of a Public Protector investigation.

Political reaction and calls for change

Smith said the DA, while serving in the Government of National Unity, opposed the appointment “in the strongest possible terms” and renewed its call for diplomatic postings to prioritise competence over party ties.

“Our country will never be taken seriously on the international stage if we keep parachuting our most corrupt leaders into some of the most prestigious positions. Our country, and its people, surely deserve better.”

The Presidency confirmed the appointment on Monday; the article does not include a direct response from Dlodlo or the Presidency beyond that confirmation.