DA CRITICIZES RAMAPHOSA’S REMARKS, CALLING RUSSIA AN AUTHORITARIAN AGGRESSOR

South Africa – The Democratic Alliance (DA) has taken issue with President Cyril Ramaphosa’s recent comments about Russia, where he described the country as a “valuable friend and ally.” Ramaphosa made the remarks during the 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia.

During a bilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Ramaphosa reportedly said, “We continue to see Russia as a valued ally, as a valued friend who supported us right from the beginning, from the days of our struggle against apartheid”.

However, John Steenhuisen, DA Leader and a key partner in the Government of National Unity (GNU), responded with sharp criticism, firmly rejecting the notion that Russia should be seen as an ally of South Africa.

“The Democratic Alliance does not consider Russia, or Vladimir Putin, to be an ally of our Nation.”

“We cannot and will not agree that South Africa should consider an authoritarian regime, that is currently violating international law by waging an imperialist war of aggression against a sovereign state, as an ally.”

President Ramaphosa’s remarks come at a delicate moment for the country, with South Africa beginning to experience some much-needed stability and the first real signs of economic growth in nearly two decades. The DA warned that poorly considered diplomatic statements risk unsettling key international relationships and disrupting vital trade partnerships—both crucial to sustaining this fragile recovery.

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Steenhuisen also emphasized the need for open debate and consensus within the multi-party government before making public declarations on international matters. The party further cautioned that unilateral statements could create friction within the Government of National Unity (GNU) and damage South Africa’s diplomatic reputation.

“As Leader of the Democratic Alliance in the GNU, I reiterate the importance of positions expressed on behalf of the GNU being the subject to full and proper debate within the government mechanisms before being announced as positions of the GNU to ensure maximum consensus and agreement amongst the parties to the GNU.”