The Presidency slammed claims that the country could face secondary sanctions if there was evidence that the government smuggled arms and ammunition to Russia.
President Cyril Ramaphosa’s administration again came under heavy scrutiny as the country scrambled to manage political fallout, sparked by the damning allegations made by United States (US) Ambassador Reuben Brigety.
Sanctions against South Africa could further throttle the emerging economy’s growth.
But speaking at a media briefing in Pretoria on Monday, spokesperson in the Presidency, Vincent Magwenya, quashed the forecasts as damaging.
At a recent appearance in Parliament, the South African Reserve Bank (Sarb) warned of the economic implications of the country’s perceived alliance with Russia.
The central bank said the worst-case scenario included a moratorium on capital inflows affecting the country’s ability to do business if international payments were halted.
Magwenya dismissed the warning, calling it alarmist.
“We’re a little bit surprised at this talk of sanctions and we find it to be quite undermining to South Africa’s sovereignty.”
Magwenya further denied accusations by the US that Russia’s attack on Ukraine used arms bought in South Africa.
“South Africa has not participated in arming any of the parties that are involved in that conflict.”
Meanwhile, an investigation is yet to determine what, if anything, was loaded onto the Lady R ship when it docked at a naval base in Simon’s Town.
-EWN
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A screenshot of the nip-slip was shared on Twitter by a user whose name is Hermaine M. Black Twitter president, Chris Excel has also taken it to another level by comparing Maweni’s breast to Pearl Thusi’s one. Hours after posting, it garnered over 70 comments. Learn More