Cape Town – The White House has extended its commendations to President Cyril Ramaphosa for his deft handling of the allegations surrounding the Russian cargo vessel, Lady R.
The diplomatic nod to Ramaphosa’s leadership was conveyed on Monday during a call between Jake Sullivan and Sydney Mufamadi, the national security advisers to US and South African presidents Joe Biden and Cyril Ramaphosa respectively.
The Lady R saga sparked international concerns after US Ambassador Reuben Brigety raised suspicions that the vessel was carrying arms destined for Russia when it docked at Simon’s Town naval base in December 2022.
This episode unfolded at a time when the US was growing uneasy with South Africa’s neutral stance amid the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Tensions escalated to a point where diplomatic relations between the two nations teetered on the edge, with calls for Ambassador Brigety’s recall and threats to exclude South Africa from the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) looming ominously.
In response to these grave allegations, President Ramaphosa demonstrated his commitment to transparency and accountability by appointing an independent panel, led by retired judge Phineas Mojapelo, to investigate the matter.
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After months of meticulous scrutiny, the panel’s findings stood as a testament to the integrity of the South African government.
It was determined that no arms had been loaded onto the Lady R.
Instead, the vessel had been offloading military equipment, procured several years prior, and delayed due to the global Covid-19 pandemic.
In a statement, the White House said that Sullivan expressed his appreciation for Ramaphosa’s earnest engagement with the Lady R issue.
The White House lauded the South African government’s dedication to addressing the allegations seriously.
“National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan spoke on the phone today with National Security Advisor Sydney Mufamadi of South Africa. National Security Advisor Sullivan appreciated the seriousness with which President Ramaphosa had addressed the concerns about the Lady R’s activities last year.
“The two National Security Advisors reaffirmed the strong partnership between South Africa and the United States, and recommitted to advance shared priorities including trade and investment, infrastructure, health, and climate. With regards to Russia’s war in Ukraine, they confirmed they would continue to confer on pathways toward a just and lasting peace,” read the statement.
Furthermore, Sullivan expressed gratitude for South Africa’s role in hosting the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) Forum, recognising the significance of this landmark legislation for US relations with the African continent.
Sullivan also conveyed his condolences on the passing of Aziz Pahad, a revered South African politician, diplomat, and anti-apartheid activist. Pahad’s unwavering commitment to peace, justice, and racial equality had inspired both South Africans and Americans alike, leaving a lasting legacy that transcends borders.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
