4 September 2023

The ANC Parliamentary Caucus welcomes the Independent Panel’s report that has found no evidence that any cargo of weapons was loaded for export onto Lady R, the Russian ship that docked in Simonstown late last year. The Caucus believes that the findings of the independent panel chaired by Judge Phineas Mojapelo supported Adv Leah Gcabashe SC and Mr Enver Surty should finally lay the matter to rest. None of the sensationalist allegations made particularly by some opposition parties and media commentators about the supply of weapons to Russia have been proven to be true.

While the ANC Caucus welcomes the report, we are concerned that some political parties and media houses are determined to misrepresent South Africa and our international relations policy in the world, particularly with regard to the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Their untested allegations have damaged South Africa’s standing and credibility in the world and had an impact on our economy. It is disturbing that those who made the allegations could not provide evidence to support their allegations.

The ANC Caucus believes that this incident will, once and for all, expose that most opposition parties do not care about the image of our country and the welfare of South Africans. All they care about is making sensationalist news headlines. These actions will not deter us from the work of renewal of our movement and the decisive action to transform South Africa’s economy and society for the benefit of the majority.

Issued by the Office of the Chief Whip

Comrade Pemmy Majodina (MP)

For enquiries, please contact the Chief Whip
082 419 1616