Cape Town – President Cyril Ramaphosa says that a three-member panel he appointed to investigate allegations that South Africa sent weapons to Russia found no evidence to support these claims.
The allegations were made by the United States Ambassador to South Africa, Reuben Brigety, in May, which prompted Ramaphosa to establish the inquiry panel.
The panel was chaired by former Supreme Court Judge Phineas Mojapelo and featuring Advocate Leah Gcabashe SC and former deputy minister of basic education Enver Surty.
“In recent months, several quarters have used these allegations to call into question South Africa’s commitment to its position on the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The allegations levelled against our country had the most damaging effect on our currency, our economy and our standing in the world. In fact, it tarnished our image as a country,” Ramaphosa said during a national address to the nation on Sunday night.
Outcomes of #BRICSSummit2023 https://t.co/fvfTIOlqdV
— Cyril Ramaphosa 🇿🇦 (@CyrilRamaphosa) September 3, 2023
He added: “A number of entities and persons that had publicly claimed to have information on this matter were invited to make submissions to the panel. Many of those invited either failed to do so, or said they had no independent knowledge of the relevant facts.
“From its investigation, the panel found no evidence that any cargo of weapons was loaded for export onto the ship Lady R. The panel found that there was no evidence to support the claim that the ship transported weapons from South Africa destined for Russia.”
Ramaphosa emphasised the detrimental effects of these allegations on South Africa’s currency, economy, and global standing.
ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula also called for Ambassador Brigety to resign after the allegations were proven untrue.
The South African government is seeking diplomatic recourse following the diplomatic controversy sparked by these allegations.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
