By: Natasha Archary
The Presidency has noted with concern the remarks made by United States Ambassador to South Africa, Reuben E Brigety, that South Africa supplied weapons to Russia.
Brigety said there was sufficient intelligence to point to weapons and ammunition being loaded onto the vessel in Simons Town between 6 and 8 December.
In response, the Presidency said it was public knowledge that Russian vessel, Lady R docked in South Africa.
“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.
The Ambassadors 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.”
While Ramaphosa had initially answered a question raised by DA leader John Steenhuisen that the matter is being looked into, Presidency later released a statement saying a retired judge will be appointed to lead an independent enquiry over the allegations.
Listen to the conversation on Kaya Drive:
Presidency says the South African delegation and US officials, discussed the Lady R matter and there was an agreement that an investigation will be allowed to run its course, and that 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.”
Meanwhile, DA leader John Steenhuisen will be writing to the Speaker of the National Assembly, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, for an urgent debate of national importance on the country’s involvement in Russia’s war on Ukraine.
Steenhuisen said the US’s confirmation shows President Cyril Ramaphosa lied to South Africa about where the country stood in relation to the Russia-Ukraine war.
Also read: US ambassador to SA has accused the South African of delivering weapons to Russian in December
