Presidency denies claims of weaponising Russia

The Office of the Presidency has denied claims made by United States Ambassador to South Africa, Reuben E Brigety that South Africa supplied Russia with weapons to fight Ukraine.

PRESIDENCY DENIES BUT NOTES REMARKS BY US AMBASSADOR

In a statement, Vincent Magwenya, the spokesperson to the President, said the Presidency has noted with concern remarks attributed to the United States Ambassador to South Africa, Reuben E Brigety, alleging the supply by South Africa of weapons to Russia.

ALSO READ: Did South Africa provide Russia with weapons? The US thinks so

He said the Ambassdor’s remarks undermine the spirit of cooperation and partnership that characterised the recent engagements between US government officials and a South African official delegation led by National Security Special Advisor to the President Dr Sydney Mufumadi.

“It is public knowledge that a Russian vessel known as Lady R docked in South Africa.”

Magwenya

ALSO READ: South Africa hits back over US charge of arms to Russia

WEAPONS TO RUSSIA LACKING SUBSTANTIAL EVIDENCE

“Allegations have since been made about the purpose of the voyage. While no evidence has been provided to date to support these allegations, the government has undertaken to institute an independent enquiry to be led by a retired judge,” he detailed.

In recent engagements between the South African delegation and US officials, Magwenya said the Lady R matter was discussed and there was agreement that an investigation will be allowed to run its course and that the US intelligence services will provide whatever evidence in their possession.

“It is therefore disappointing that the US Ambassador has adopted a counter-productive public posture that undermines the understanding reached on the matter and the very positive and constructive engagements between the two delegations,” he said.

ALSO READ: South Africa walks a tightrope of international alliances – Russia

ACTIONSA TO SUBMIT A LETTER REQUESTING MORE INFO

Meanwhile, ActionSA leader Herman Mashaba has called on President Cyril Ramaphosa to urgently take the nation into his confidence over the allegations that the South African government supplied weapons to Russia amid its ongoing war against Ukraine.

“I will also be writing to the US Ambassador to request that they share any information regarding this allegation with the South African people. Should the allegation prove to be true, this will assist the South African people to hold Ramaphosa’s government to account,” said Mashaba.

“The ANC’s commitment to supporting Russia during the ongoing war is another sign of how the ruling party does not care about the needs of South Africans but would sacrifice an already battered local economy to appease Russia,” Mashaba criticised, further warning that actively supporting Russia’s illegal war in Ukraine will harm South Africa’s reputation with international partners.

ALSO READ: ActionSA demands answers on Millions lost in airports renovations