Cape Town – Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Naledi Pandor, will consult before deciding on a course of action regarding allegations made by US Ambassador Reuben Brigety that South Africa sold arms to Russia.
In May, Brigety accused South Africa of aiding Russia’s war in Ukraine, alleging that weapons were loaded onto a Russian cargo ship at Simon’s Town naval base in December.
However, an independent investigation found no evidence to support these claims, as revealed in a summary released by President Cyril Ramaphosa.
According to IOL, Pandor is considering the impact on bilateral relations with the US and foreign policy interests before taking action against Brigety.
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“In the wake of the release of the outcomes of the Investigation Panel into the Lady R, the department will, after thorough consultation, decide on a course of action in respect of the US ambassador, should this be deemed necessary, taking into account the overall impact on our bilateral relations with the US and the foreign policy interests of the country,” the report quoted Pandor as saying
Some political parties, including the EFF and SACP, called for the US ambassador’s expulsion for making public statements without evidence, leading to a diplomatic fallout between South Africa and the US.
Despite the controversy, South Africa and the US agreed to host the African Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa) summit in Johannesburg in November.
Meanwhile, the DA is challenging the constitutionality of the panel that conducted the investigation, particularly its leadership by a judge, EWN reported.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
