Freedom Front Plus (FF+) leader Corné Mulder has sparked a political feud after publicly praising the US over developments in Venezuela while dismissing the International Relations Department’s stance, exposing fresh tensions inside the Government of National Unity (GNU).
In a social media post, Mulder celebrated what he framed as the collapse of President Nicolás Maduro’s rule, and pre-emptively criticised the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) for opposing Washington’s actions.
#NicolasMaduroRegimeToppled We can soon expect strong condemnation of these events by @DIRCO_ZA and the ANC minister. It will be done in all our names, but it will not represent our views. The end of the socialist failure in Venezuela should be welcomed @maroelamedia @Netwerk24
— Corné_Mulder (@MulderCorn) January 3, 2026
“#NicolasMaduroRegimeToppled We can soon expect strong condemnation of these events by DIRCO and the ANC minister [Ronald Lamola],” Mulder wrote.
“It will be done in all our names, but it will not represent our views. The end of the socialist failure in Venezuela should be welcomed.”
Mulder’s comments place the FF+ at odds with the South African government’s long-standing position, which has consistently criticised US unilateralism and defended state sovereignty, particularly in the Global South.
DIRCO has previously rejected regime-change politics and warned against what it views as US interference in other countries’ internal affairs.
The remarks are especially sensitive given the FF+’s role inside the GNU.
The party joined the coalition government following the 2024 elections and secured a Cabinet post, with FF+ leader Pieter Groenewald appointed Minister of Correctional Services.
At the time, the party said it entered the GNU to promote stability, advance its policy priorities and help “restore and rebuild South Africa”, while also providing accountability from within the executive.
Mulder’s intervention, however, prompted a sharp rebuke from within the ANC.
ANC National Executive Committee (NEC) member and Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Nonceba Mhlauli, publicly reminded him of the obligations that come with being part of a unity government.
“You are a member of the GNU and the views presented by DIRCO represent the WHOLE of Government,” Mhlauli said.
“That is what a unitary state means – ONE President, ONE Government and ONE line of march!,” she added.
You are a member of the Government of Nationa Unity and the views presented by @DIRCO_ZA represents the WHOLE of Government. That is what a unitary state means – ONE President, ONE Government & ONE line of march! https://t.co/DRyQCWKfTd
— Nonceba Mhlauli (@NoncebaMhlauli) January 3, 2026
Mulder’s comments place the FF+ at odds with the South African government’s long-standing position, which has consistently criticised US unilateralism and defended state sovereignty, particularly in the Global South.
DIRCO has previously rejected regime-change politics and warned against what it views as US interference in other countries’ internal affairs.
The remarks are especially sensitive given the FF+’s role inside the GNU.
The party joined the coalition government following the 2024 elections and secured a Cabinet post, with FF+ leader Pieter Groenewald appointed Minister of Correctional Services.
At the time, the party said it entered the GNU to promote stability, advance its policy priorities and help “restore and rebuild South Africa”, while also providing accountability from within the executive.
Groups such as AfriForum and the Solidarity Movement have repeatedly lobbied US lawmakers and institutions, urging tougher American pressure on South Africa and openly backing Washington’s hardline approach to countries it labels socialist or anti-Western.
Politics
