Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)
2023 South Africa Special Weapons News
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December
November
October
September
- Secretary Blinken's Meeting with South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Pandor US Dept. of State 26 Sep 2023
- Secretary Antony J. Blinken And South African Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor Before Their Meeting US Dept. of State 26 Sep 2023
- We have a duty to leave no one behind, South African President tells world leaders UN News 19 Sep 2023 -- The President of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa, addressed the UN General Assembly on Tuesday, stating that while every human effort should be directed towards realizing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, "our energies have once again been diverted by the scourge of war."
- Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with President of the Republic of South Africa in New York President of Ukraine 19 Sep 2023
- Nigeria, South Africa Leaders Look to Advance Economic Cooperation VOA 19 Sep 2023 -- The leaders of Nigeria and South Africa held talks Monday on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly in New York, with the goal of increasing cooperation, especially in mining and telecommunications.
- Joint Statement from the United States, India, Brazil, and South Africa on the G20 The White House 09 Sep 2023
- China and South Africa sign agreements on International Lunar Research Station program, jointly conducting space exploration activities Global Times 08 Sep 2023 -- Space agencies of China and South Africa signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation at the International Lunar Research Station on September 1, marking South Africa's formal participation in the program. The two sides will conduct extensive collaboration in the demonstration, engineering implementation, operation and application, education, and training of the station.
- Ramaphosa: No Evidence South Africa Sold Weapons to Russia VOA 04 Sep 2023 -- South Africa's president said Sunday that an independent panel has found that there is no evidence that a Russian ship gathered weapons in South Africa for Russia.
- Enlargement of BRICS to Contribute to Fairer Global Governance - South African President Sputnik 03 Sep 2023 -- The recent enlargement of BRICS will help other countries seek a fairer global governance system based on rules that apply equally to all states, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has said.
- Andriy Yermak has conversation with national security advisor to President of South African Republic President of Ukraine 01 Sep 2023
August
- Experts Warn of Shrinking Civic Space as BRICS Expands Membership VOA 31 Aug 2023 -- Some analysts warn that the choice of countries selected for induction into the BRICS bloc suggests the grouping as a whole may be headed on a path toward decreased tolerance for public dissent and debate.
- A Common BRICS Currency To Challenge The U.S. Dollar? 'A Very Far-Fetched Notion,' Expert Says RFE/RL 31 Aug 2023 -- The BRICS bloc, a group of developing countries seen as seeking to counter the United States and the West, agreed at a summit last week to admit six new countries -- Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.
- Transcript of Special Briefing by Foreign Secretary on Prime Minister's visit to South Africa and Greece (August 24, 2023) India MEA 25 Aug 2023
- To build high-quality China-South Africa community with a shared future People's Daily 25 Aug 2023 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping said China and South Africa should be strategic partners of high-level mutual trust, development partners for common progress, friendly partners of deep mutual understanding and goodwill, as well as global partners that safeguard justice.
- BRICS Bloc Adds Six New Members VOA 24 Aug 2023 -- The BRICS group of emerging economies - Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa - is admitting six new members, its leaders announced Thursday on the final day of their annual summit. The group considers itself an alternative to the U.S.-led world order.
- BRICS to welcome six new members, a 'historical milestone' Global Times 24 Aug 2023 -- The BRICS countries welcomed six new members from three different continents on Thursday, marking a historic milestone that underscored the solidarity of BRICS and developing countries and determination to work together for a better future, officials and experts said. The expansion of the BRICS, as a new starting point for multilateral cooperation, will play a positive role for more equitable and just global governance, experts said.
- Six countries invited to join BRICS People's Daily 24 Aug 2023 -- BRICS leaders agreed on Thursday to invite six countries, namely Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, to join the group.
- BRICS countries to counter hegemony amid rising multipolar world order: Putin People's Daily 24 Aug 2023 -- The BRICS group supports the rise of a multipolar world order, and opposes attempts made by some countries to assert their hegemony, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Wednesday at the 15th BRICS Summit during a virtual address.
- BRICS invites Iran, five other countries to join as new members Press TV 24 Aug 2023 -- Iran has been invited to become a member of the BRICS group of emerging economies, whose leaders are in Johannesburg, South Africa, to discuss the bloc's expansion.
- Johannesburg II Declaration. BRICS and Africa: Partnership for Mutually Accelerated Growth, Sustainable Development and Inclusive Multilateralism, Sandton, Gauteng, South Africa, 23 August 2023 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 24 Aug 2023
- BRICS Expansion to 11 Nations, 37% of Global GDP Offers 'Big Boost' for Multilateralism Sputnik 24 Aug 2023 -- The massive new expansion of the BRICS economic bloc offers substantial opportunities, including for trade in non-dollar currencies between a vast swath of humanity and even greater investment opportunities using institutions outside of the US or Europe, an expert told Sputnik.
- BRICS Sets Out Key Points in 15th Summit's Declaration Sputnik 24 Aug 2023 -- The three-day historic summit of BRICS — the group uniting the world's largest developing economies, transpired in the South African capital of Johannesburg. To wrap up the event, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa presented a joint declaration during the venue's final day.
- BRICS Expansion Shows Policy of Unilateralism on Decline - Raisi Sputnik 24 Aug 2023 -- Earlier in the day, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that the BRICS leaders have decided to invite Argentina, Egypt, Iran, Ethiopia, the UAE and Saudi Arabia to join the group.
- Argentina, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, UAE and Ethiopia Get BRICS Membership Sputnik 24 Aug 2023 -- The leaders of the BRICS countries believe that the time has come to use local currencies and alternative payment systems, Cyril Ramaphosa said. "There is global momentum to use of local currencies, alternative financial arrangements and alternative payment systems. As BRICS we are ready to explore opportunities for improving the stability, reliability and fairness of the global financial architecture," Ramaphosa said at the BRICS Summit media briefing. According to Ramaphosa, the admission of new members to the BRICS is the first phase of the group's expansion process.
- Secretary-General's remarks at the BRICS summit UN Secretary-General 24 Aug 2023
- Secretary-General's opening remarks at press encounter at BRICS Summit meeting UN Secretary-General 24 Aug 2023
- At BRICS Summit, Guterres global unity call in face of 'existential' challenges UN News 24 Aug 2023 -- The UN chief on Thursday underscored the urgent need for unity and justice to tackle humanity's pressing challenges, which range from the climate crisis to economic disparities and conflicts with global implications.
- Ramaphosa warns against global payment system being used as geopolitical instrument People's Daily 24 Aug 2023 -- South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Wednesday expressed his concerns that global financial and payment systems are increasingly being used as instruments of geopolitical contestation.
- President Xi Jinping Held Talks with President of South Africa Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa PRC MofA 23 Aug 2023 -- On the morning of August 22 local time, President Xi Jinping held talks with President of South Africa Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa at the Union Buildings in Pretoria during his state visit to the country.
- Joint Statement between the People's Republic of China and the Republic of South Africa PRC MofA 23 Aug 2023 -- At the invitation of H.E. Cyril Ramaphosa, President of the Republic of South Africa, H.E. Xi Jinping, President of the People's Republic of China, paid a state visit to South Africa on 22 August 2023.
- Putin, Xi Slam West at BRICS Summit VOA 23 Aug 2023 -- China and Russia used the second day of the BRICS Summit of emerging economies to criticize the West, while also throwing their support behind the proposed expansion of what's seen by some as an alternative power bloc.
- BRICS leaders agree on expansion, set to announce guidelines Press TV 23 Aug 2023 -- Leaders of the BRICS bloc of leading emerging economies have agreed on mechanisms for considering new members, giving dozens of interested nations a path into the organization, according to South Africa's foreign minister.
- China backs BRICS expansion, says this can make 'global governance more just' Press TV 23 Aug 2023 -- China's President Xi Jinping has called for the acceleration of the expansion of the BRICS group of major emerging economies, arguing this would help the world obtain a "more just" global governance.
- BRICS will continue talks on use of local currencies: South Africa president Press TV 23 Aug 2023 -- South African President Cyril Ramaphosa says the BRICS group of nations will continue discussions on the use of local currencies to facilitate trade and investment flows.
- BRICS Summit President of Russia 23 Aug 2023 -- Vladimir Putin took part, via videoconference, in the 15th BRICS Summit, held in Johannesburg, South Africa on August 22-24.
- BRICS countries continue to strengthen cooperation amid global economic challenges: Putin People's Daily 23 Aug 2023 -- BRICS countries are continuing to deepen cooperation amid ongoing external economic challenges, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Tuesday while addressing the BRICS Business Forum 2023 via video link.
- Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's meeting with former President of South Africa Thabo Mbeki on the sidelines of the BRICS summit Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 23 Aug 2023
- Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's meeting with South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Naledi Pandor on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit, Johannesburg, August 23, 2023 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 23 Aug 2023
- Prime Minister's meeting with President of South Africa India MEA 23 Aug 2023 -- Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi met H.E. Mr. Cyril Ramaphosa, President of the Republic of South Africa on 23 August 2023 in Johannesburg on the sidelines of the 15th BRICS Summit.
- De-dollarization among BRICS members 'irreversible': Putin Press TV 22 Aug 2023 -- Russia's President Vladimir Putin says the shift away from the US dollar in internal trade among the members of the BRICS, an intercontinental geopolitical bloc, is an "irreversible process."
- BRICS nations aims to end US dollar domination Press TV 22 Aug 2023 -- The leaders of the BRIC nations, namely, Brazil, Russia, India and China, with South Africa joining the group more than a decade later thus changing its name to BRICS, have gathered once more to discuss ways to eliminate the US dollar's domination in the business world.
- South Africa hosting BRICS summit amid expansion plan Press TV 22 Aug 2023 -- Johannesburg is hosting a summit of the leaders of BRICS nations, namely Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, with the bloc's expansion being at the top of its agenda.
- Ramaphosa Vows to Keep South Africa Clear of Global Power Contest Sputnik 21 Aug 2023 -- South African President Cyril Ramaphosa assured the nation in a televised address on Sunday that he would not let his country be dragged into the ongoing standoff between world powers.
- Xi Jinping Arrives in Johannesburg to Attend the 15th BRICS Summit and Pay a State Visit to South Africa PRC MofA 22 Aug 2023 -- On the evening of August 21, 2023 local time, President Xi Jinping arrived in Johannesburg to attend the 15th BRICS Summit and pay a state visit to South Africa.
- Xi's visit cements China-South Africa ties in "golden era", BRICS' appeal to Global South People's Daily 22 Aug 2023 -- Late August in South Africa is famed for its radiant afternoons when the golden African sun bathes the landscape in its warm embrace.
- Xi arrives in South Africa for 15th BRICS Summit, state visit People's Daily 22 Aug 2023 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in South Africa on Monday to attend the 15th BRICS Summit to be held in Johannesburg, and pay a state visit to South Africa.
- Xi starts South Africa visit, 'to leverage cooperation with continent' Global Times 21 Aug 2023 -- Amid high global attention and expectations, Chinese President Xi Jinping left Beijing for Johannesburg on Monday for a state visit to South Africa and to attend the BRICS Summit to be held from Tuesday to Thursday.
- Expectations run high as emerging economies gear up for BRICS summit People's Daily 19 Aug 2023 -- The 15th BRICS Summit, to be held in South Africa's Johannesburg next week, has received a lot of media attention in the months leading up to the event, underscoring the growing influence of BRICS over the past years.
- Summit set to bolster BRICS cooperation People's Daily 19 Aug 2023 -- The upcoming 15th BRICS Summit, to be hosted by South Africa, will present key opportunities to boost dialogue and cooperation between the five major emerging economies and other developing nations, and enhance solidarity between China and Africa, officials and analysts have said.
- Expansion, De-Dollarization on Agenda as South Africa Hosts BRICS VOA 18 Aug 2023 -- The BRICS group of developing economies - Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa - meet in Johannesburg from Tuesday to Thursday for their annual summit, during which expansion of the bloc is expected to figure high on the agenda.
- Telephone conversation with President of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa President of Russia 08 Aug 2023 -- Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with President of the Republic of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa.
- South Africa President Expecting Report on Russian 'Lady R' Ship VOA 04 Aug 2023 -- South Africa President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to receive a much-anticipated report on whether arms were loaded onto the sanctioned Russian cargo vessel, the Lady R, in Cape Town.
- Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi speaks with President of South Africa India MEA 03 Aug 2023 -- Prime Minister Narendra Modi had a telephone conversation today with His Excellency, Mr. Matemela Cyril Ramaphosa, President of the Republic of South Africa.
July
- Venezuelan, South African navy commanders call for expansion of ties with Iran IRNA 31 Jul 2023 -- The Commanding General of Bolivarian Navy of Venezuela Jesus Sanchez and the Chief of the South African Navy commander Vice Admiral Monde Lobese have called for expansion of bilateral ties with the Islamic Republic of Iran.
- South Africa, Venezuela welcome enhanced defense ties with Iran Press TV 31 Jul 2023 -- The navy commanders of South Africa and Venezuela have expressed their keenness to expand defense ties with Iran.
- Meeting with President of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa President of Russia 29 Jul 2023 -- Vladimir Putin met with President of the Republic of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa at the Constantine Palace.
- South Africa Opposition Protests Race Quotas for Management Jobs VOA 26 Jul 2023 -- Members of South Africa's main opposition party took to the streets Wednesday in Cape Town to protest a new law that allows racial quotas in the workplace, saying it will discriminate against minority whites, Indians and mixed-race people.
- Russia May Build Station for Receiving Satellite Data in South Africa Sputnik 24 Jul 2023 -- Russia may build a new station for receiving information from Earth remote sensing satellites in South Africa or modernize existing ones, which will contribute to the development of common BRICS infrastructure, Yuri Borisov, the head of Russia's state space corporation Roscosmos, said on Monday.
- 40 More Countries Want to Join BRICS, Says South Africa VOA 21 Jul 2023 -- The BRICS group of fast-developing economies — Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa — has positioned itself as an alternative to the Western-dominated global order. BRICS officials say that spirit has sparked the interest of some 40 countries in joining as the bloc gears up for a summit in August.
- Ukraine War Looms Large Over Russia-Africa Summit VOA 20 Jul 2023 -- African leaders are to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in St. Petersburg at the end of this month for a summit, billed as strengthening cooperation in peace, security, and development.
- South Africa says more than 40 nations expressed interest to join BRICS Press TV 20 Jul 2023 -- More than 40 countries have already expressed their desire to join the BRICS group of nations, South Africa says, as the bloc prepares to hold a summit next month.
- Putin not to attend BRICS summit in Johannesburg: S. African president People's Daily 20 Jul 2023 -- South African President Cyril Ramaphosa announced Wednesday that by mutual agreement, Russian President Vladimir Putin will not attend the BRICS summit set to be held here in South Africa in August.
- Putin to attend BRICS Summit in South Africa via video conference: Kremlin Press TV 19 Jul 2023 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin will attend the upcoming BRICS Summit in South Africa via video conference, the Kremlin says.
- South Africa Says Putin Won't Attend BRICS Summit 'By Mutual Agreement' RFE/RL 19 Jul 2023 -- South Africa has announced that Russian President Vladimir Putin, who has an outstanding arrest warrant issued in his name by the UN's International Criminal Court (ICC), will not travel to a BRICS summit to be held in Johannesburg next month.
- South Africa Says Putin Not Attending BRICS Summit VOA 19 Jul 2023 -- South Africa announced Wednesday that Russian President Vladimir Putin would not be attending an August summit in person, ending controversy over whether Pretoria would abide by its obligations under the International Criminal Court and arrest him.
- Putin Noncommittal On Grain Deal Extension During Call with South African Leader RFE/RL 15 Jul 2023 -- Russian President Vladimir remained noncommittal on extending a UN-backed grain deal, claiming in a call with his South African counterpart that Moscow's demands have not been met.
- Telephone conversation with President of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa President of Russia 15 Jul 2023 -- Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with President of the Republic of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa at the initiative of the South African side.
- As Black Sea Grain Deal's Expiration Looms, Zelenskiy Enlists South African President RFE/RL 14 Jul 2023 -- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has called for the extension of the Black Sea Grain Initiative as he invited South African President Cyril Ramaphosa to join what he called a humanitarian initiative to export Ukrainian grain.
- Head of State and President of the Republic of South Africa discussed preparations for the Global Peace Summit and consolidation of support for Ukraine by African countries President of Ukraine 13 Jul 2023
- China's Huawei Launches Innovation Center in South Africa VOA 13 Jul 2023 -- South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Thursday welcomed the opening of a new Huawei Innovation Center in Johannesburg, praising the Chinese company for its "confidence in the South African economy and its potential."
June
- Secretary Blinken's Call with South African Minister Pandor US Dept. of State 29 Jun 2023
- South Africa Looks to China to Shed Light on Power Crisis VOA 27 Jun 2023 -- South Africa's worst ever energy crisis has the country reeling amid daily blackouts, but new Minister for Electricity Kgosientsho Ramokgopa is hoping China can provide a light in the darkness.
- In Copenhagen, Andriy Yermak held a series of meetings with national security advisors to the leaders of India, South Africa, Türkiye, Japan and the EU institutions President of Ukraine 25 Jun 2023
- Beijing Welcomes Expansion of BRICS Sputnik 20 Jun 2023 -- China welcomes more countries joining BRICS, because the bloc is committed to strengthening the representation and voice of emerging and developing countries, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Mao Ning said on Tuesday, a day after Bangladesh confirmed that it had applied for membership.
- 20 countries favor membership in BRICS: Russian diplomat Press TV 16 Jun 2023 -- Nearly 20 states have sought to join the BRICS group of countries as more nations realize the benefits of joining the economic bloc, according to a senior Russian diplomat.
- South African Police Receive Chinese Training VOA 15 Jun 2023 -- South Africa's police minister, Bheki Cele, and a delegation of senior police officials recently returned from a visit to China, where they discussed strengthening law enforcement collaboration.
- Prime Minister holds telephone conversation with President of the Republic of South Africa India MEA 10 Jun 2023
- Readout of 19th U.S.-South Africa Defense Committee DoD 09 Jun 2023
- Telephone conversation with President of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa President of Russia 07 Jun 2023 -- Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with President of the Republic of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa.
- BRICS, SCO can play major roles as unilateralism coming to end: Tehran Press TV 04 Jun 2023 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian says the era of unilateralism is coming to an end, and that the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and the BRICS group of countries will play major roles in the future as a new world order is emerging.
- BRICS countries support Iran's membership bid: FM IRNA 03 Jun 2023 -- The member states of the BRICS group of emerging economies have voiced their support for Iran's bid to join the group, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian has said.
- Foreign Minister Urges Developing Future Cooperation with BRICS to Achieve Prosperity SPA 03 Jun 2023 -- The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is keen to develop future cooperation with the BRICS group to achieve collective prosperity, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, said Friday.
- BRICS members welcome Iran's potential accession: FM Amir-Abdollahian Press TV 03 Jun 2023 -- Iran's foreign minister has said that the members of the BRICS group of emerging economies have welcomed the Islamic Republic's potential accession to the powerful bloc.
- Joint Statement of the BRICS Ministers of Foreign Affairs and International Relations, Cape Town, South Africa, 1 June 2023 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 02 Jun 2023
- Iran can be reliable partner for BRICS: FM IRNA 02 Jun 2023 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian has said that The Islamic Republic of Iran, along with other like-minded and interested countries, can be a reliable partner for BRICS in future.
- Iran's objectives are in alignment with BRICS's goals: FM Amir-Abdollahian Press TV 02 Jun 2023 -- Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian has said that Iran's objectives are in alignment with those of the BRICS and Tehran -- along with other like-minded countries -- could be a "reliable partner" for the group of emerging economies.
- Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's answers to media questions following the BRICS Foreign Ministers Meeting, Cape Town, June 1, 2023 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 01 Jun 2023
- Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's remarks at the BRICS Foreign Ministers Meeting, Cape Town, June 1, 2023 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 01 Jun 2023
- Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's meeting with South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Naledi Pandor, Cape Town, June 1, 2023 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 01 Jun 2023
- BRICS summit mulling expansion to forge counterweight to West Press TV 01 Jun 2023 -- The foreign ministers of the BRICS group of major emerging economies are in South Africa for a summit aimed at discussing enlargement and other strategies to establish the bloc as a key alternative to Western geopolitical dominance.
- 'Mind your own business': Lavrov tells US envoy after arms shipment claim Press TV 01 Jun 2023 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has lashed out at claims by the US envoy to South Africa about arms shipment from the country to Russia, telling him to stop meddling in relations between Moscow and Pretoria.
- BRICS foreign ministers meet with expansion in focus; group eyes cooperation, not confrontation Global Times 01 Jun 2023 -- Foreign ministers from the BRICS countries - Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa - kicked off a meeting on Thursday in Cape Town, South Africa, where they are expected to discuss a wide range of issues, including preparation for the upcoming leaders' summit, a potential expansion of the group as well as trade and economic issues.
May
- South Africa grants BRICS leaders immunity for August summit Press TV 30 May 2023 -- South Africa says it will provide diplomatic immunity to all leaders attending a summit of the BRICS group in August, in a move to protect the conference.
- Representatives of the Russian and South African armed forces hold talks in Moscow Russia MoD 17 May 2023 -- A military delegation of the South African Armed Forces led by Lieutenant General Lawrence Mbatha, Chief of the South African Army, has arrived in Moscow to discuss bilateral military cooperation.
- South Africa Military Delegation in Russia to Discuss Combat Readiness VOA 16 May 2023 -- South Africa's main opposition party is demanding to know why there is a high-level defense delegation in Moscow discussing increased cooperation and combat readiness. The news comes just days after the U.S. ambassador accused South Africa of selling weapons to Russia in violation of its claims of non-alignment in Moscow's war on Ukraine.
- Common Currency on Agenda for South African BRICS Summit VOA 12 May 2023 -- The creation of a BRICS currency will be one of the main topics up for discussion when the group of five emerging nations - Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa -- meet in Johannesburg in August, South African officials said this week.
- West supplies first long-range missiles to Ukraine, taunts South Africa Press TV 12 May 2023 -- Britain becomes the first country to start supplying Ukraine with long-range cruise missiles, giving Kiev the ability to attack inside Russia while the West's hunt for any weapons delivery to Moscow continues with South Africa being the latest accusee.
- South Africa Denies Approving Arms Sale To Russia After U.S. Ambassador's Allegation RFE/RL 12 May 2023 -- The South African government did not approve any weapons shipments to Russia late last year, the country's communications minister said on May 12, one day after the U.S. ambassador to South Africa said he was confident that a Russian ship had picked up weapons at a South African port in December.
- Telephone conversation with President of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa President of Russia 12 May 2023 -- Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with President of the Republic of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa at the South African side's initiative.
- Secretary Blinken's Call with South African Minister Pandor US Dept. of State 12 May 2023
- South Africa Summons US Ambassador Over Russia Weapons Row VOA 12 May 2023 -- A war of words is brewing between the U.S. and South Africa after the U.S. ambassador to the country said he would "bet his life" on U.S. intelligence that South African weapons were loaded onto a Russian vessel when it docked at a Cape Town naval base in December. The South African government hit back, saying that while it would investigate the matter, the U.S. ambassador's remarks had "undermined" the relationship between the two nations.
- Sanctioned Russian Cargo Ship Loaded With Weapons After Docking In South Africa, U.S. Ambassador Says RFE/RL 11 May 2023 -- The U. S. ambassador to South Africa has accused the country of providing weapons to Russia in a possible breach of South Africa's declared neutrality in the war in Ukraine.
- US Accuses South Africa of Shipping Arms to Russia VOA 11 May 2023 -- The U.S. on Thursday accused South Africa of supplying arms to Russia for its war in Ukraine in a three-day covert naval operation near Cape Town in early December.
April
- South Africa's President Walks Back Vow to Leave ICC VOA 26 Apr 2023 -- South Africa President Cyril Ramaphosa backtracked on remarks he made Tuesday that the country would withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC), which has issued an arrest warrant for Russia's President Vladimir Putin.
- South African Holocaust Center Says Russia is on 'Road to Genocide' in Ukraine VOA 17 Apr 2023 -- In welcoming Professor Olexiy Haran, who is part of a three-member Ukrainian delegation seeking support for the fight against Russia, the Holocaust Center's Director Richard Freedman said the suffering in Ukraine should not be ignored.
- South Africa Outraged After UAE Denies Gupta Extradition VOA 08 Apr 2023 -- South Africa's justice minister has expressed shock after a court in the United Arab Emirates refused to extradite two brothers from the wealthy Gupta family.
- South Africa Ends Electricity State of Disaster VOA 05 Apr 2023 -- The South African government on Wednesday terminated the national state of disaster announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa in early February. The declaration was intended to deal with the worst electricity crisis in the country's history.
March
- Iranian Navy 86th flotilla docks at Port of Cape Town in South Africa Press TV 31 Mar 2023 -- The Iranian Navy's 86th flotilla of warships has docked at the Port of Cape Town in South Africa in line with the Islamic Republic's efforts to expand its naval presence in international waters.
- South Africa Mulls Options After ICC's Putin Arrest Order VOA 28 Mar 2023 -- With an International Criminal Court arrest warrant out for Vladimir Putin, South Africa is weighing what to do if the Russian president accepts an earlier invitation to attend an August summit in the country.
- South Africans Stay Home to Protest Lack of Jobs, Electricity VOA 21 Mar 2023 -- Many South Africans stayed home from work Monday after the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) party called for a nationwide shutdown to protest frequent power cuts and high unemployment.
- South Africa's Ramaphosa Meets With Tanzania's Hassan, Agree to Bolster Cooperation Sputnik 19 Mar 2023 -- Samia Suluhu Hassan's visit follows a meeting in Pretoria between the leaders of South Africa and Uganda in late February. Both visits are dedicated to promoting trade, investment, and cooperation. Meanwhile, during the two visits, the South African president emphasized the necessity of pan-Africanism in developing ties between African nations.
- Theft Probe Clears South African President of Wrongdoing VOA 12 Mar 2023 -- A corruption watchdog group said in a preliminary report that South African President Cyril Ramaphosa was not involved in a cover-up concerning the theft of a large amount of cash he had stuffed into a sofa at his farmhouse.
- South Africa's Parliament Votes to Downgrade Diplomatic Ties With Israel Sputnik 11 Mar 2023 -- Since the toppling of the apartheid regime in 1994, bilateral relations between the two countries have been complicated due to South Africa's support for the Palestinians. In May 2018, the country recalled its ambassador to Israel. Since then, the embassy has been headed by a charge d'affaires.
- South African President Reshuffles Cabinet, Picks New VP, Ministers Sputnik 07 Mar 2023 -- With just over a year left before South Africa's next general election in 2024, in which President Cyril Ramaphosa will seek re-election to a second five-year term, the reshuffle comes amid several ongoing challenges facing the nation, including an energy crisis that is overshadowing South Africa's economic growth.
- South Africa's ANC Received Big Donation from Russian Oligarch-Linked Firm VOA 07 Mar 2023 -- South Africa's ruling ANC party has brushed aside criticism of a large donation it accepted from a mining company linked to a Russian oligarch under U.S. sanctions.
February
- Russia, China, South Africa End Naval Exercises in Indian Ocean Sputnik 27 Feb 2023 -- Warships and support vessels of Russia, China, and South Africa ended joint naval exercises in the Indian Ocean on Monday, the Russian Defense Ministry said.
- Russian-Chinese-South African Navies Begin Active Phase of Military Drills Sputnik 26 Feb 2023 -- The Russian Navy is represented by the "Admiral Gorshkov" frigate carrying hypersonic Zircon missiles and the medium sea tanker "Kama." The Chinese Navy is represented by a frigate and a destroyer, as well as a supply vessel, and the South African Navy, in turn, by a frigate.
- South African Power Utility CEO 'Released' From Job VOA 23 Feb 2023 -- The head of South Africa's embattled state power company, Eskom, is leaving his job earlier than planned, after accusing high level officials of corruption. The CEO's departure came the same day South Africa's finance minister announced a massive bailout for the debt-ridden company amid record power cuts.
- South Africa continues to experience power outages People's Daily 22 Feb 2023 -- South Africa has continued to experience long hours without electricity after eight generation units broke down, the country's power utility Eskom said Tuesday.
- What Joint Drills With South African, Russian Navies Mean for China VOA 21 Feb 2023 -- South Africa is under fire for hosting joint naval exercises with Russia during the one-year anniversary of the invasion of Ukraine, with critics saying it will be a propaganda victory for Moscow. But what does the third participant in the drills, China, have to gain from the tripartite exercises taking place this week?
- China, Russia, South Africa to hold 2nd joint maritime exercise PLA Daily 19 Feb 2023 -- According to the consensus reached by China, Russia and South Africa, from February 20 to 27, the navies of the three countries will hold the second joint maritime exercise in the eastern waters and airspace from Durban to Richards Bay of South Africa, said the Chinese defense ministry in a written statement on Sunday. And the focus of this exercise is "the joint operation to safeguard the safety of shipping and maritime economic activities".
- Russian Warship Drills with South African, Chinese Navies Amid Criticism VOA 17 Feb 2023 -- Joint naval exercises including South Africa, Russia, and China get underway in waters off South Africa's east coast Friday, despite U.S. concerns and Ukrainian condemnation. Critics say the 10-day military drills will do little to benefit South Africa and act as a propaganda boost for Moscow on the one-year anniversary of its ongoing invasion of Ukraine.
- China joins Russia, South Africa in naval drills amid intensive foreign interactions Global Times 17 Feb 2023 -- China and Russia on Friday joined a naval exercise hosted by South Africa in the Indian Ocean, with experts saying that the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) aims to safeguard peace and stability in the region and protect sea lanes for commercial ships amid its intensive efforts to restore exchanges and cooperation with foreign countries, including opening a destroyer at an international expo in Abu Dhabi, after such interactions were hindered by the pandemic in recent years.
- Equatorial Guinea Vice President's Superyacht, Properties Seized in South Africa VOA 16 Feb 2023 -- A South African court this week seized a superyacht and two properties of Equatorial Guinea's vice president, Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue. The property is expected to be auctioned to pay a South African businessman who sued him for wrongful arrest and torture after an airline deal went wrong. The vice president is also the son and presumed successor Equatorial Guinea's president, Teodoro Obiang, who rules the country with an iron fist.
- Secretary Blinken's Call with South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Pandor US Dept. of State 14 Feb 2023
- South Africa declares national 'state of disaster' over crippling energy crisis Press TV 10 Feb 2023 -- South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, amid mounting public anger, has declared a national "state of disaster" over the country's crippling power crisis, warning that it poses an "existential threat" to the economy and social fabric.
- South Africa Declares 'State of Disaster' Amid Electricity Crisis Sputnik 10 Feb 2023 -- South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Thursday declared "a national state of disaster" to overcome the electricity crisis gripping his country.
- Analysts Skeptical About South Africa's 'State of Disaster' VOA 10 Feb 2023 -- In his state of the union speech late Thursday, South Africa's president, declared a state of disaster to deal with the country's electricity crisis. The emergency powers were key to helping South Africa cope with the COVID-19 pandemic. But analysts are skeptical the added powers will hasten an increase in electricity, and they worry it could feed corruption.
- South Africa's President Admits Power Crisis Is Hurting Mining VOA 07 Feb 2023 -- South African President Cyril Ramaphosa says the county's electricity crisis has severely damaged its mining industry, a key pillar of the economy. Ramaphosa made the comment while addressing Investing in African Mining Indaba, the world's largest mining investment conference.
- South African peacekeeper killed after helicopter comes under fire mid-flight in DR Congo UN News 05 Feb 2023 -- A UN peacekeeper was killed on Sunday in the restive eastern region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) after the helicopter he was travelling in came under fire after taking off from the city of Beni.
January
- South Africa: Joint press conference by High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell and Minister for International Relations and Cooperation Naledi Pandor European External Action Service (EEAS) 27 Jan 2023
- South Africa: Opening speech by High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell during the 15th South-Africa-European Union Ministerial Dialogue European External Action Service (EEAS) 27 Jan 2023
- EU's Borrell Urges South Africa to Get Russia to End Ukraine War VOA 27 Jan 2023 -- The European Union's foreign policy chief Josep Borrell visited South Africa on Friday, urging Pretoria to use its ties with Russia to convince Moscow to stop its war on Ukraine.
- No Mention of Military Drills with Russia on Yellen's South Africa Trip VOA 27 Jan 2023 -- U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen wraps up a 10-day visit to Africa on Saturday that included stops in Senegal, Zambia and South Africa, where she met Friday with philanthropists on climate change.
- Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's visit to the Republic of South Africa Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 23 Jan 2023
- Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's remarks and answers to media questions at a joint news conference with South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Naledi Pandor following talks, Pretoria, January 23, 2023 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 23 Jan 2023
- Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's opening remarks during talks with South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Naledi Pandor, Pretoria, January 23, 2023 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 23 Jan 2023
- South Africa Hosts Russian Foreign Minister Despite Criticism VOA 23 Jan 2023 -- South Africa has defended its warm relations and joint military drills with Russia as it hosts Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on his first visit since the invasion of Ukraine.
- South Africa Hopes Naval Exercises with Russia and China Become Annual - Ambassador Sputnik 22 Jan 2023 -- South Africa is the continent's most industrialized country and has the most diversified economy in Africa. The nation joined the BRIC bloc (Brazil, Russia, India, China) in 2010, after which the organization changed its name to BRICS.
- South African Farmers Cull 10 Million Chicks, Due to Power Cuts VOA 19 Jan 2023 -- South Africa's poultry farmers say they've had to cull almost 10 million chicks because of the country's power crisis. The record blackouts have slowed down production, creating a backlog in processing and no room for the chicks. Farmers' groups warn if the power cuts are not resolved soon, South Africa's longer-term food security could be affected.
- South Africa Criticized for Hosting Russian Warships Amid Ukraine War VOA 18 Jan 2023 -- South Africa plans to conduct joint military exercises with the Chinese and Russian navies off its east coast next month, despite the Kremlin's ongoing war on Ukraine. The opposition Democratic Alliance has slammed the decision, saying it means that contrary to its "neutral" stance on Russia's Ukraine war, South Africa's ruling African National Congress party has effectively sided with Moscow.
- US Treasury Secretary Heads to Senegal, Zambia and South Africa VOA 17 Jan 2023 -- U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen is headed to Senegal, Zambia and South Africa this week to discuss trade expansion, investment and the U.S. commitment to African economies.
- As BRICS Chair, South Africa Vows to 'Advance African Interests' VOA 10 Jan 2023 -- South African President Cyril Ramaphosa says he'll use his chairmanship of the BRICS group of leading emerging economies to focus on advancing African interests. The bloc — Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa — is seen as an alternative to dominant Western economies.
- South Africa's Ramphosa Promises Ruling Party Renewal Ahead of 2024 Elections Sputnik 08 Jan 2023 -- Created 111 years ago on January 8, the African National Congress is one of Africa's most influential political movements. It became the ruling party under the leadership of Nelson Mandela when the White Apartheid minority rule was ended in 1994 after decades of struggle.
- First Case of 'Kraken' COVID-19 Variant Discovered in South Africa - Researchers Sputnik 07 Jan 2023 -- In December 2022, the World Health Organization reported that almost three years since the first COVID-19 case in Africa was registered in February 2020, the number of infection cases detected on the continent was around 9.5 million.
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