DA calls for debate amid claims SA is assisting Russia in war against Ukraine

The Democratic Alliance (DA) called for a debate of national importance on South Africa’s alleged involvement in Russia’s war with Ukraine.

Five months since a Russian cargo vessel, The Lady R, left South African shores, President Cyril Ramaphosa on Thursday told the National Assembly (NA) that the government was still looking into claims that it had South African arms on board.

The matter turned into a diplomatic hot potato after the United States (US) ambassador to South Africa, Reuben Brigety, alleged on Thursday that South Africa was assisting Russia in its war with neighbouring Ukraine.

DA leader John Steenhuisen took the gap during the president’s question time to press him on whether South Africa gave Russia weapons when the Russian vessel docked at Simon’s Town naval base.

Ramaphosa agreed to answer the question, although the speaker ruled Steenhuisen’s question out of order on the basis of relevance.

“It’s being looked into, and in time we will be able to speak about it,” said the president.

But Steenhuisen pressed Ramaphosa for a second time.

“South African arms and ammunition could have been used to slaughter innocent civilians. My question is simply this: how do you face the world and how do you sleep at night?”

This time Ramaphosa was less amenable.

“An unrelated question to the questions that are asked, are questions that one does not need to answer, and this is one of them.”

This was the second time the that the DA called for a debate on the Russian war in Ukraine, with the house divided on the matter in March 2022.

-EWN

In other news – Actor Gabriel Temudzani (Chief Azwindini) speaks out after leaving Muvhango

South African actor Gabriel Temudzani, who bid farewell to Muvhango on Monday, 8 May says leaving the soapie was an emotional roller coaster.

The popular Muvhango actor Gabriel Temudzani, who played Azwinidini Mukwevho for more than two decades tells a local publication that he’s ready to apply himself in other spaces. “It’s an emotional roller coaster. Muvhango has been my home for a long time and unfortunately, we are here. Learn More