Democratic Alliance (DA) leader John Steenhuisen delivered a sharp rebuke to President Cyril Ramaphosa following his comments at the 2024 BRICS Summit, where Ramaphosa referred to Russia as a “valuable ally and friend.”
Three-point Summary:
- John Steenhuisen criticized President Ramaphosa’s comments about Russia being a “valuable ally,” intensifying tensions within the Government of National Unity (GNU).
- Ramaphosa’s BRICS Summit remarks drew concern from the DA, signalling that Russia’s involvement in global conflicts like Ukraine affects South Africa’s foreign policy.
John Steenhuisen rejects Ramaphosa’s comments on Russia
Steenhuisen voiced strong opposition, insisting that the DA could not support such a characterisation, especially considering Russia’s role in the ongoing war with Ukraine.
Speaking shortly after Ramaphosa’s address, Steenhuisen made it clear that the DA, as a key partner in South Africa’s Government of National Unity (GNU), does not view Russia in the same light.
“We cannot and will not agree that South Africa should consider an authoritarian regime, currently violating international law, as an ally,” said Steenhuisen.
He further indicated that decisions impacting South Africa’s global stance should be thoroughly debated within the GNU, adding that the government’s economic priorities should not be compromised by Ramaphosa’s statements on international platforms like BRICS.
Steenhuisen’s comments, if anything, showed a growing division within the GNU, especially as South Africa seeks to solidify its relationships in global economic forums while balancing concerns about international relations and trade opportunities, particularly with Western allies.
The DA leader concluded:
“Our government simply cannot afford to make statements that jeopardize international relations crucial to growth and job creation.”
President Cyril Ramaphosa, speaking at the BRICS Business Forum in Kazan, Russia, emphasised the importance of BRICS as an international formation and its role in reshaping global economic cooperation.
“BRICS has an important role in the world. It has the potential to drive significant change in the global economy and international relations,” Ramaphosa said, addressing a room of BRICS leaders including Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Ramaphosa went on to discuss the African Continental Free Trade Area and the opportunities for investment that exist within South Africa and the broader African continent.
His remarks appeared aligned with BRICS’ push to diversify global trade and reduce dependency on the West, a stance that the DA has increasingly criticised due to its implications for South Africa’s positioning in the global geopolitical landscape.
While Ramaphosa made no direct reference to Russia’s involvement in Ukraine during his BRICS speech, his favourable tone towards Russia has drawn domestic criticism, especially in light of escalating global tensions between Western powers and Russia over the Ukraine conflict.
