PRESIDENT Cyril Ramaphosa is reportedly sending an envoy to the United States to smooth over simmering tensions around South Africa’s cosy relationship with Russia – while R400 billion worth of trade hangs in the balance.
Speaking to the Sunday Times, minister of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) Naledi Pandor said that the envoys would be sent to “engage and persuade” stakeholders on the country’s stance on Russia and its president, Vladimir Putin.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued a warrant for Putin’s arrest over his invasion of Ukraine and driving a war that has lasted more than a year and led to many human rights abuses.
As a signatory to the Rome Statute, South Africa is obligated to carry out the arrest if Putin were to enter the country.
In August 2023, Putin is expected to attend a BRICS conference being hosted in South Africa, prompting
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