Cape Town – Minister of Sports, Arts, and Culture Gayton McKenzie has defended President Cyril Ramaphosa against criticism from Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen, who opposed the President’s statement describing Russia as a “valuable ally and friend” during meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
President Ramaphosa made his remarks during a bilateral meeting with Putin at the Kremlin in Kazan, Russia, ahead of the XVI BRICS Summit.
🇿🇦His Excellency President @CyrilRamaphosa held a bilateral meeting with His Excellency President Vladimir Putin of the Russian Federationat the Kremlin Residence of the Rais in Kazan, in the Russian Federation, ahead of the XVI BRICS Summit.
President Ramaphosa thanked… pic.twitter.com/rlrs7oy4Wb
— The Presidency 🇿🇦 (@PresidencyZA) October 22, 2024
In response to Ramaphosa’s comments, Steenhuisen, who also leads the Democratic Alliance (DA), rejected the characterisation, saying: “The Democratic Alliance does not see Russia, or Vladimir Putin, as an ally of our nation.”
He said that South Africa should not consider an “authoritarian regime” violating international law and waging war against a sovereign state as an ally.
The DA distances itself from recent comments made by President Ramaphosa during bilateral engagements with Russian President Vladimir Putin, where he stated that “Russia is a valuable ally and friend.” https://t.co/kzeOsp7VC7
— John Steenhuisen MP (@jsteenhuisen) October 23, 2024
“We cannot agree that South Africa should consider an authoritarian regime, which is currently violating international law by waging an imperialist war against a sovereign state, as an ally,” Steenhuisen said.
He also urged the government of national unity to engage in thorough discussions before publicly announcing South Africa’s stance on significant issues, as reported by News24.
In reaction to Steenhuizen’s comments on X, McKenzie advised him to focus on his ministerial duties, instead.
“You are not speaking on behalf of the government; the President does. Go back to work now, Minister,” said McKenzie.
The President made a huge mistake by leaving you behind, he should have taken you with and you would have smiled and laughed with President Putin just like you did with President Xi. You are not speaking on behalf of government, the President does, go back to work now Minister. https://t.co/CAZhnGNHdi
— Gayton McKenzie (@GaytonMcK) October 23, 2024
He added: “The President made a huge mistake by leaving you behind. He should have taken you with him, and you would have smiled and laughed with President Putin just like you did with President Xi.”
McKenzie, reportedly known for his fondness for Ramaphosa, recently expressed his support by saying, ‘Ramaphosa Remorata Kaofela’ (I love you Ramaphosa), according to IOL.
When asked why?, McKenzie said: “So, I was singing for the privilege of serving South Africa and I was singing the loudest”.
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Picture: @X/@GaytonMcK
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Compiled by Thandile Xesi
