President Cyril Ramaphosa’s recent visit to Russia for the Brics+ 2024 summit has reignited debates over his close ties with the country, especially in light of their controversial invasion of Ukraine. During his meeting with President Vladimir Putin, Ramaphosa praised Russia as a loyal ally that supported South Africa during the struggle against apartheid.
However, the Democratic Alliance (DA), a key partner in the government of national unity, was quick to distance themselves from Ramaphosa’s remarks. DA leader John Steenhuisen firmly stated that they do not consider Russia or Putin as allies of South Africa, criticizing their actions in Ukraine as a violation of international law.
This disagreement highlights the ongoing clash between the ANC and DA on matters of international relations and geopolitics. Despite their partnership in the GNU, differences in approach and ideology continue to surface. As the debate unfolds, it underscores the complexities of maintaining unity in a diverse political landscape.