South African government at loggerheads over relations with Russia

Democratic Alliance opposes Ramaphosa’s pro-Russian positions

The Democratic Alliance (DA), South Africa’s former opposition party and now the ANC’s main coalition partner, has distanced itself from President Cyril Ramaphosa’s recent comments about Russia. While Ramaphosa called Russia a “dear ally” and “valued friend” during a meeting with Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of a BRICS summit in Kazan, DA leader John Steenhuisen made it clear that his party “does not consider Russia or Vladimir Putin as an ally.”

Growing tensions over foreign policy and governance

The differences between the DA and the ANC are not limited to foreign policy. Internal disagreements, including over issues such as the teaching of the Afrikaans language in some schools and the management of Justice Minister Thembi Simelane, are already undermining the stability of the coalition. The DA disagreed with Ramaphosa’s remarks, stressing that it could not support the idea of ​​an alliance with an authoritarian regime accused of violating international law, in reference to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Ramaphosa defends ties with Russia

Despite criticism from his coalition partners, Cyril Ramaphosa has maintained his pro-Russian stance. During his meeting with Putin, he stressed the importance of discussions between BRICS members on “geopolitical issues”, as well as economic issues such as trade, climate change, peace and security.

Conclusion: Political differences that threaten the unity of the government

Tensions over relations with Russia expose deeper divisions within the South African government, particularly between the ANC and its partner, the Democratic Alliance. These disagreements, combined with other disputes over internal issues, risk undermining the cohesion of the coalition, calling into question the sustainability of this political partnership in the months ahead.