The Ukrainian Association in South Africa has voiced strong objections following the docking of a Russian naval vessel at Cape Town harbor in late August. The event, which saw the Russian naval training ship Smolnyy stay for several days, has reignited concerns over South Africa’s neutrality in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
According to the association, the timing of the visit was particularly troubling. During the ship’s presence in Cape Town, Russian bombardments in Ukraine resulted in significant civilian casualties, including children. Dzvinka Kachur, speaking for the association, highlighted that the visit appeared to be more than just a routine stop, suggesting it was part of a growing military relationship between Russia and South Africa.
The Russian consulate in Cape Town confirmed that naval officials from both countries held meetings, and a reception was organized to strengthen ties between the two nations. This visit was described as an “unofficial” port call and was part of a broader maritime voyage that included stops in Cuba and Venezuela. The journey involved 300 cadets from Russia’s Ministry of Defense, who were engaged in maritime training exercises.
Kachur expressed deep concern, calling for an immediate halt to any military cooperation between South Africa and Russia. The visit caught some local officials off guard, with the mayor of Cape Town admitting that the ship’s arrival had gone largely unnoticed, describing it as a low-profile event that had “flown under the radar.” This incident has further fueled debate about South Africa’s position on the conflict, as critics question whether the country is truly maintaining a neutral stance.
The South African National Defense Force has clarified that the recent docking of a Russian naval vessel in Cape Town was for resupply purposes. The force emphasized that South Africa, as a sovereign maritime nation, has the right to permit foreign vessels to dock in its ports.
The defense force also mentioned that there were three foreign vessels in South African waters at the time, including a Ukrainian ship undergoing repairs.
Despite this explanation, the Democratic Alliance, now part of the coalition government, has criticized the docking, alleging that it signifies a troubling closeness to Russia. Chris Hattingh, a parliamentarian from the Democratic Alliance, argued that the arrival of the Russian naval training ship Smolnyy, which had previously visited Venezuela and Cuba, undermines President Cyril Ramaphosa’s claims of neutrality regarding the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
The African National Congress (ANC), which holds the majority of seats in parliament, has historical ties with Russia, dating back to Soviet support during the anti-apartheid struggle. Both countries are also BRICS members. South Africa has faced criticism for its failure to condemn Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and for hosting joint naval exercises with Russia last year. Additionally, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov was warmly welcomed during his visit to South Africa in 2023.
In light of these events, South Africa’s approach to international relations is under increasing scrutiny, with ongoing debates about its alignment and strategic partnerships.