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Political parties have called on the government to come clean on the Russian vessel, Lady R, which docked in Simonstown last December.
The matter was thrust back into the spotlight on Thursday when US Ambassador to South Africa, Reuben Brigety alleged that war materials and ammunition were loaded onto the “sanctioned” Russian vessel, Lady R.
DA leader, John Steenhuisen, said President Cyril Ramaphosa, had “lied to SA and the world over involvement in Russia-Ukraine war.”
The President was in Parliament on Thursday to answer questions on the country’s electricity crisis but was confronted with the issue.
"We are all aware of the news that we all became aware of, of Lady R, and that whole matter, honourable Steenhuisen, is being looked into. Whilst the process continues I want you to allow the process to continue to reach its fruition," Ramaphosa said.
In a hard-hitting statement after the Parliamentary session, Steenhuisen accused the President of refusing to answer him when asked to confirm the US claims.
“This development proves not only that South Africa is not non-aligned in Russia's war on Ukraine, but that President Ramaphosa and his government have already lied to South Africa and the world as to our country's involvement in this devastating conflict,” he said.
Steenhuisen said he would be requesting the Speaker of the National Assembly to table an urgent debate of national importance on South Africa’s “involvement in Russia’s war on Ukraine and the dire consequences South Africa faces as a result of this violation of international law.”
He said the government had, in two previous responses to Parliamentary questions, denied selling arms to Russia.
Freedom Front Plus leader, Dr Pieter Groenewald, also weighed in, saying she had personally contacted the American Embassy, and “it was confirmed to me that the allegations were indeed made.”
He said they were now seeking answers from the Minister of Defence, Thandi Modise.
“She must, firstly, indicate whether it is in line with existing agreements concerning the export of weapons and ammunition and whether the correct procedure was followed in terms of the guidelines of the National Conventional Arms Control Committee,” Groenewald said.
He said SA’s Conventional Arms Control Act clearly stipulates that such weapons and ammunition may not be used in regional conflicts.
“Secondly, the Minister must disclose the conditions of the end-user certificate of the weapons and ammunition, and indicate exactly what type of weapons and ammunition were supposedly supplied to the Russians,” Groenewald added.
“The ANC government will be guilty of sly deception if the weapons are used in armed conflict in Ukraine,” he said.
