SA economic crisis deepens as ‘friendship’ with Russia spurs potential US sanctions
Russian President Vladimir Putin (L) shaking hands with South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa ahead of a meeting with delegation of African leaders at the Constantine Palace in Strelna, outside Saint Petersburg, Russia on June 17, 2023. PHOTO | AFP
South Africa’s perceived ‘friendship’ with Russia is already severely hurting the southern African country economically – with potentially full-blown United States sanctions not yet ruled out.
The Americans are still considering what to do about South Africa allowing a specifically sanctioned Russian cargo vessel, the Lady R, to dock at the Simonstown naval command near Cape Town, there allegedly loading weapons, or weapons-related cargo, early last December.
