Home PodcastInayet Wadee Questions Arise on South Africa’s Neutrality on the War in Ukraine

Questions Arise on South Africa’s Neutrality on the War in Ukraine

by Thaabit Kamaar

Photo by [CNBC]


South Africa is one of the few countries that abstained from voting on a UN resolution to condemn Russia’s military operation in Ukraine.

The South African government opted for a non-aligned position in the conflict. They have advocated for dialogue and diplomacy, believing it to be the best solution to end the war in Ukraine.

Even though they have taken this position, many international and local critics have claimed South Africa might be leaning slightly eastward.


US/South Africa Relations

The US and the EU have been significant supporters of Ukraine since the beginning of the invasion. As such, they have expressed concerns about countries that enjoy any form of relationship with Russia.

Since the start of the war, the US and its European partners have placed various economic sanctions on Russia.

Moreover, they placed sanctions on companies and individuals linked to the Russian government.

So, naturally, given South Africa’s disposition to Russia, there is a lingering threat of sanctions which could be imposed on the African country.

And with the expected arrival of the US Secretary of Treasury Janet Yellen to South Africa, there is an assumption that the US official might try to “twist the arm” of the South African government to alter their position on the conflict.

However, Malte Brosig, Professor of International Relations at Wits University, said he doubts this will be the case as it might interfere with the US interests in the African continent.

“The Biden government still wants to gain background on the African continent … [As such] I don’t really see what the US could gain in pressuring South Africa … [As] it might cause a backlash in the wider region.”

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How Does South Africa Benefit from Russia’s Partnership

Russia has historical ties to the ANC government, as the former Soviet Union supported them during their liberation struggle.

Since then, South Africa and Russia have fostered a prospering relationship, cemented by the BRICS coalition.

However, Prof Brosig said there is little for South Africa to gain regarding Russia’s partnership. As Russia is not nearly as detrimental as China, the US and European countries are.

“In terms of trade relations, they are not that important here. The biggest export-import markets and technology transfer [is still] with the EU and the US in addition with China.”

He continues to state that South Africa has been wise in benefitting from their global partners with their non-aligned foreign policies.

However, recently South Africa’s relationship and familiarity with Russia, mainly since the announcement of the joint maritime exercise set to take place next month, has caused some of their western partners to raise their eyebrows at their neutral position.






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