Pretoria - The German foreign minister stressed South Africa's importance as a mediator in regional conflicts during a visit on Friday, as he downplayed the threat of political debate.
The country had a “peace builder” role in countries such as South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo, German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier told journalists in Pretoria on the second day of his visit to the country.
He also expressed confidence that growing domestic criticism of the ruling African National Congress (ANC) would not destabilize the country.
Heightening scrutiny on ANC is a normal part of civic debate, Steinmeier said, making reference to criticism of President Jacob Zuma over a 20-million-dollar upgrade to his rural homestead.
The minister also expressed concern about the protection of German investments after South Africa cancelled a bilateral agreement regulating questions such as taxation and eventual expropriations.
Germany needs a “clear message” that South Africa can provide an “investment-friendly environment,” Steinmeier said.
South African Foreign Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane said about 600 German companies were expanding their activities in South Africa and that they had “nothing to fear,” adding a promise to review German concerns.
South Africa has been cancelling agreements signed under the 1948-94 apartheid regime, according to German diplomatic sources.
Steinmeier said it was unclear whether South Africa would replace bilateral investment protection agreements.
German companies have investments worth billions of euros in South Africa in fields including electronics and the car industry.
South Africa is Germany's top economic partner in sub-Saharan Africa, while Germany is South Africa's top trading partner after China.
Sapa-dpa