President Cyril Ramaphosa’s office has dismissed DA leader and agriculture minister John Steenhuisen’s criticism of the president’s stance on ties between South Africa and Russia. Ramaphosa referred to Russia as a “valuable ally and friend” during a bilateral meeting with President Vladimir Putin at the Brics+ 2024 summit this week, causing backlash from the DA.
Steenhuisen stated, “The DA distances itself from recent comments made by President Ramaphosa. The DA does not consider Russia, or Vladimir Putin, to be an ally of our nation.” Despite the DA’s differing opinion, Ramaphosa’s spokesperson emphasized that the president leads the GNU and has the authority over foreign policy decisions.
“He will not be micromanaged by the DA — or any party, for that matter — in the exercise and management of foreign policy. The president’s sentiments were expressed in the historical context of the relationship with Russia, which dates to the years of the liberation struggle,” the spokesperson added.