Code red? SA lost in translation in Russia-Ukraine crisis
South Africa’s claims of neutrality in the Russia-Ukraine war came under the spotlight when the country indicated that it would take part in military drills with China and Russia. Head of the African Governance and Diplomacy Programme at the South African Institute of International Affairs, Steven Gruzd, examined occasions where South Africa has stated it […]
South Africa’s support underscores Moscow’s propaganda success
The South African Minister of International Relations, Naledi Pandor, hosted her Russian counterpart, Sergei Lavrov, in Pretoria recently for the first time since Russia invaded Ukraine. Head of the African Governance and Diplomacy Programme at the South African Institute of International Affairs, Steven Gruzd, tells the Financial Times that “for Russia, this is another opportunity […]
Southern Africa leverages Russia-US tussle for influence
South Africa and its neighbours were at the centre of a tussle for influence this week when top Russian and US officials visited the region, offering a rare moment of leverage for governments on a continent more used to being buffeted by events than wooed. “They have the opportunity to play one side off against […]
Russia, South Africa and a ‘redesigned global order’
Steven Gruzd from the South African Institute of International Affairs unpacked Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov’s visit to Pretoria on CNBC. This is Lavrov’s second trip to South Africa since the invasion, and he will also reportedly visit Botswana, Angola and Eswatini.
Southern Africa calls the tune as great power suitors queue up
When top Russian and American officials came this week, South Africa and its neighbours were at the centre of a power struggle, giving governments on a continent more used to being buffeted by events than courted a rare opportunity for leverage. In this Reuters interview, Head of the African Governance and Diplomacy Programme at the […]
Sergey Lavrov’s visit to South Africa recalls the proximity between Moscow and Pretoria
On Monday 23 January, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov received a warm welcome from his South African counterpart, Naledi Pandor. The meeting came as South Africa recently confirmed joint military exercises with the Russian and Chinese navies. The holding of these military exercises “is not entirely neutral”, Steven Gruzd, specialist in relations between Russia and South […]
South Africa to side with Russia on push for redesigned global order
Steven Gruzd, head of the Russia-Africa research program at the South African Institute of International Affairs, said the BRICS group has “found a new lease on life” as a result of the Ukraine conflict. The war in Ukraine has revitalised Moscow’s campaign for new organizations to compete with Western-dominated blocs such as the Group of […]
South Africa hosts Russian foreign minister despite criticism
South Africa has defended its warm relations and joint military drills with Russia as it hosts Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on his first visit since the invasion of Ukraine. In this interview with Voice of America, SAIIA’s African Governance and Diplomacy Programme Head, Steven Gruzd, said Lavrov had ‘found some sympathy’ from Pandor and expects […]
Will Zimbabwe’s ban on unprocessed lithium exports advantage China?
Zimbabwe, which has Africa’s largest lithium deposits, thinks it can do better from the price surge. Its Bikita mine, 300km south of the capital Harare, boasts 10.8m tonnes of lithium ore. And the Arcadia Lithium Mine is expected to reach an annual production of 2.5m tonnes, which could equate to $3bn in exports.
South Africa to hold naval drill with Russia and China amid Ukraine war
The New York Times interviewed SAIIA Chief Executive Elizabeth Sidiropoulos about South Africa’s plans to hold joint training exercises off its coast next month with Russia and China. The move was criticized by the United States, which has been trying to rally other countries to isolate Russia over the war in Ukraine.