Russia-South Africa Relations: It's Complicated

 The South African Institute of International Affairs recently posted a 16-minute podcast titled "South Africa and Russia: It's Complicated."

The Russia-China relationship generates uncomfortable headlines today.  It is based on the strong anti-apartheid position of the Soviet Union.  In addition, Vladimir Putin and former South African President Jacob Zuma solidified the ties.

Russia's invasion of Georgia, Crimea, and Ukraine complicated the relationship.  South Africa fell back on a policy of non-alignment.  By 2022, there was confusion in Pretoria concerning policy towards Russia.

Today, South Africa-Russia trade is negligible and Russian investment in the country is modest.  South Africa and Russia, both members of BRICS, agree on the need to revise the world order but not much else.  

Russian and Chinese Warships Visit South Africa

 Military Africa published on 5 October 2024 an article titled "Russian and Chinese Warships to Attend SA Navy Festival" by Sarah Lesedi.

The Russian Navy's frigate Neustrashimy and replenishment ship Akademik Pashin arrived in Simon's Town for the South African Navy Festival from 4 to 6 October.  They were joined by the PLA Navy frigate CNS Xuchang.  

The Daily Maverick published on 3 October 2024 an article titled "Russian and Chinese Warships Make Political Waves in Simon's Town" by Peter Fabricius.  

The arrival of the two Russian ships raised concerns in the Democratic Alliance, part of South Africa's ruling coalition government, about South Africa's alleged non-partisan posture toward Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The Ukrainian community in South Africa expressed outrage at the presence of the Russian ships.  The Daily Maverick was unable to get an answer from the government to its question why only warships from Russia and China were participating in the South African Navy Festival.