Contradicting statements on SA’s stance on the Russia and Ukraine conflict are confusing and embarrassing.
It all began when Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered a “special military operation” in Ukraine. He said the move was to “protect" the Donbas area in south-eastern Ukraine and that the country needed to “de-militarise”.
Ukraine, on the other hand, said this was an act of war and filed a complaint with the highest UN court in The Hague, Netherlands.
As expected, SA’s initial reaction was a neutral one, with the international relations & cooperation department (Dirco) issuing a statement calling for mediation and dialogue between the two nations.
But later in the week, as the situation intensified in Ukraine, Dirco’s tone changed as it issued a strongly worded statement calling on Russia to withdraw its troop from the neighbouring country.
President Cyril Ramaphosa is said to have been “unhappy” with Dirco’s statement as it contradicted SA’s stance and he hadn’t been consulted before it was released, the Sunday Times reported.
SA’s stance is to call for a peaceful resolution and not take sides in the conflict. It turns out Pretoria was left at pains, explaining to Moscow that SA’s position had not changed.
The latest development was embarrassing and confusing for the public. It painted a picture of a cabinet that does not communicate among itself, one hand doesn’t seem to know what goes on in the other.
When the decision was taken to take the stronger approach to the Russia/Ukraine issue the head of state should have been consulted.
Such incidents are not good for our image internationally as it seemed we did not have a clear stance on the matter. It was also humiliating for the president as it raised questions on whether he is failing to get his cabinet to speak in one voice with him.
We have seen a similar incident before when the cabinet and president communicated conflicting messages last year when Ramaphosa said the July riots that left of 300 people dead were an insurrection attempt.
But his then defence minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula told parliament there was no proof that the unrest was an insurrection attempt but merely an act of “thuggery”.
They should have learnt from that and not shamed us on the world stage. Ramaphosa must keep his ministers in line and be seen to be doing so.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.