South Africa’s pact with Russia – and its actions – cast doubt on its claims of non-alignment

<https://theconversation.com/south-africas-pact-with-russia-and-its-actions-cast-doubt-on-its-claims-of-non-alignment-206020>

"Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 South Africa has
proclaimed a policy of non-alignment in that conflict. This position was placed
in doubt when US Ambassador Ruben Brigety claimed recently that he had evidence
that South African arms and ammunition were loaded on a Russian ship in
December 2022.

Brigety concluded that South Africa’s alleged behaviour did

not suggest to us the actions of a non-aligned country.

The South African government, which regulates the sale of arms and ammunition
to and from the country, has vehemently denied Brigety’s accusation. Thandi
Modise, the minister of defence, said that nothing “was loaded onto the Russian
ship”. However President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that an independent
commission, headed by a retired judge, would probe the American claims.

I have studied South Africa’s foreign relations for the last decade, including
its alliance policy.

Brigety is correct. Though South Africa maintains that it is non-aligned, the
agreements it has made and the actions it has taken over the past decade make
it clear that it is aligned with the Russian Federation."

Cheers,
       *** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net               Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/                 Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/            Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/               Manager, Serious Cybernetics