WE WON'T be bullied about Russia!
That's the word from the ANC, which also said it's all systems go for the upcoming BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) summit.
Briefing the media on the sidelines of the ANC Election Manifesto Review on Monday, 10 July, ANC first deputy secretary-general Nomvula Mokonyane said the party would not be changing its non-aligned position on the war between Russia and Ukraine.
She said the party would not entertain the arrogance of those who assumed that non-aligned means you have taken a side.
“We are not fazed by being accused of being non-aligned. I think it’s a correct decision that the movement has taken, including our own government. Historically we have remained non-aligned, not only because of any relationship we hold with Russia today but because of our historical perspective around issues of a unipolar world,” said Mokonyane.
She said South Africa and other countries will not be bullied by the West.
“BRICS will grow into one of the biggest traders of the political blocs in the world,” said Mokonyane.
She denied that the ANC was reviewing its International Criminal Court membership to pave the way for Russian President Vladimir Putin.
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“It should not be something that is only attributed to whether President Putin will be coming in or not because that would also be unfair to the African National Congress,” said Mokonyane.
She said talks at the upcoming Brics Political Parties Plus Dialogue would focus on global peace and security, including strengthening Brics by expanding its membership.
“The global lens is focusing on South Africa as we will host the historic 2023 Brics Political Party Plus Dialogue under the theme 'Brics and Africa: partnership for mutually accelerated growth sustainable development, and inclusive growth'," she said.
Mokonyane said the 54 political parties that will attend from different corners of the world will discuss issues, including global change, famine, poverty, disease, food security, information technology, ICC, the war between Russia and Ukraine, and more.
The meeting will take place from 18 to 21 July in Boksburg, Ekurhuleni.
She said the ANC was also looking forward to the upcoming elections in Zimbabwe.
“If there is anything that we are looking forward to is free and fair election. Every Zimbabwean must exercise his or her right to choose a government of their choice,” she said.
She said a peaceful election in Zimbabwe could signal prosperity in the Mzansi neighbouring country.
