Exactly one year after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, South Africa and Russia alongside their Chinese counterparts are due to initiate Exercise Mosi II, a series of military exercises to take place over the course of 11 days off the South African Coast. Partaking in these military exercises is a Russian warship branded with the Russian war symbols “Z” and “V”. South African waters are known to have previously welcomed a U.S. sanctioned Russian commercial vessel, signifying an attempt to help Russia evade Western sanctions. The objective of hosting such military exercises is to demonstrate South Africa’s diplomatic independence. It seems the Ukraine War in Europe is not a concern for South Africans and will not impede their diplomatic intentions. The relationship between South Africa and Russia appears strong and fruitful following a meeting between the country’s two foreign ministers last month. However, it is no revelation that the diplomatic relationship between the two countries is inherently transactional and likely superficial. South Africa gains a superpower ally whose trading opportunities inspire hope for the country’s troublesome economy and Russia develops relations with the most influential country on the African continent, bypassing American and European sanctions against them.
These recent actions from South Africa come after the decision to abstain from a United Nations vote last October condemning illegal Russian “referendums” within regions in Ukraine’s internationally recognised borders. Following recent events, it is believed among Western governments that South Africa has forsaken its “non-aligned” neutral stance. This refers to The Non-Aligned Movement, formed during the Cold War, an organization which recognises states as neutral or independent who do not formally align themselves with either Russia or the United States. David Feldmann, a spokesman for the United States Embassy in Pretoria, South Africa, has condemned South Africa’s actions encouraging them “to cooperate militarily with fellow democracies that share our mutual commitment to human rights and the rule of law.”
The current diplomatic tensions between South Africa and the West run deep as history once again comes to the forefront. South African ties with Russia, although controversial, bear historical significance. During the fight against the apartheid regime, the Soviet Union provided financial aid and military training in support of the African National Congress (A.N.C.), the now ruling party of South Africa. In contrast, the United States labelled the A.N.C. a terrorist organisation and only supported sanctions against the apartheid regime late in the game in 1986. Resentment towards Europe for its colonial past still persist within African countries and has been exacerbated by the more recent American invasions of Iraq and Afghanistan. The idea of Western hegemony is disfavoured among South Africans, which explains the importance placed on its membership within the BRICS alliance with Brazil, India, China and Russia. Founded in 2001, the BRICS bloc is a competitor of western-dominated alliances such as G7 and a voice for smaller developing nations.
While the effects of colonialism remain prevalent throughout South Africa and other African countries, there is little hope in nurturing the nostalgic ties with the authoritarian nation. Russia does not have pure intentions in its dealings with the African continent as Russian mercenaries such as the Wagner Group have been deployed in conflict zones and subsequently engaged in extortion of the diamond mining industry. Furthermore, Russia is one of the biggest importers of arms to African countries, thus exacerbating the already violent conflicts. In economic terms, trade with Russia is inferior compared to the European Union and the United States. According to the New York Times, trade with the EU amounted to $53 billion last year, compared to $750 million with Russia. Risking the robust trading relationship with the EU and the US would greatly hinder South Africa’s economy and other African countries alike. Alongside this fruitful economic relationship, Western countries share the same deeply valued democratic beliefs as the majority of African countries which should be recognised and empowered by South Africa.
