Presidential spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, has dispelled any suggestions that South Africa may be hit with international sanctions due to its non-aligned stance regarding the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Government has repeatedly described its stance as one supporting dialogue and a peaceful settlement between the two countries through negotiation.
“We are a little bit surprised at this talk of sanctions, which we regard as reckless and as very damaging to our already ailing and struggling economy. We find this talk of sanctions as being purely alarmist and we find it to be quite undermining to South Africa’s sovereignty and the stability of our economy,” Magwenya said on Monday at a media briefing in Tshwane.
He emphasised that there has been no indication from any international body or trading partner, including the United States, that sanctions will be imposed on the country.
“There is no evidence whatsoever to point to any emergence of sanctions from any country or even the United Nations Security Council, which is the only authority to institute global sanctions.
“There is no such talk. We’ve had, as a government, several bilateral discussions with the US government and there has been no suggestion that the US will consider applying sanctions to South Africa,” he assured.
The spokesperson reiterated that South Africa has not participated in arming any of the parties that are involved in the conflict.
“On the contrary, South Africa has taken it upon itself to mobilise support and to mobilise engagement that will result in a peaceful resolution to this conflict,” he said.
