DA QUESTIONS SOUTH AFRICA’S ARMY CHIEF OVER RUSSIA VISIT
South Africa’s military relationship with Russia is facing fresh political scrutiny after Army Chief Lieutenant General Lawrence Mbatha travelled to Moscow for high-level military engagements.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) has demanded answers from Defence and Military Veterans Minister Angie Motshekga, questioning the purpose of the visit and how deeper military cooperation with Russia fits into South Africa’s stated policy of strategic non-alignment.
Mbatha met senior Russian military officials, with discussions focused on strengthening cooperation between the South African and Russian land forces, including combat readiness and military cooperation.
The DA’s intervention is significant because the party is part of South Africa’s Government of National Unity, making its criticism an issue within the country’s governing political framework.
The controversy comes as Russia continues strengthening its military and strategic relationships across Africa.
Is South Africa truly non-aligned, or is Pretoria moving closer to Moscow while trying to keep its Western relationships intact ?
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