ANC undertakes working visit to Russia

JOHANNESBURG - The African National Congress (ANC) has confirmed several members are on a ‘working visit to the Russian Federation’. The visit follows concerns about South Africa’s stance on whether it intends to act on the warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) against Russian President Vladimir Putin.

In a statement on Saturday evening, the ANC said the visit follows an invitation from United Russia Party, Russia’s largest political party and a ‘longstanding ally and friend to the ANC’.

“The engagements, which are led by

National Executive Committee (NEC) member and International Relations Subcommittee Deputy Chairperson Obed Bapela, will include discussions on the recalibration of the global order to reverse the consequences of neo-colonialism and the previously prevailing unipolar world,” it said.

Delegation

The party added that the delegation also includes NEC member and Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Alvin Botes.

“It is anticipated that the delegation will also participate in the inaugural International Organising Committee of the Inter-Party Forum, which includes progressive as well as fraternal movements and political parties from Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

“The delegation will report to the national executive committee upon their return, and the public will be kept abreast on the mission and the plans of the Inter-Party Forum,” it said.

South Africa’s stance on the Russia and Ukraine war has previously drawn sharp criticism.

International Relations and Cooperation Minister Naledi Pandor has repeatedly stated that they have decided to take a ‘non-aligned stance’.

Last month, Belgian Foreign Affairs Minister Hadja Lahbib threw a few veiled jabs at South Africa’s nonaligned foreign policy on Ukraine.