Afro-pessimists want SA to arrest Putin to destabilise us – Mahumapelo

Chairperson of the portfolio committee on international relations and cooperation Supra Mahumapelo says the presidency has established an inter-ministerial committee to deal with the ICC’s arrest warrant for Russia’s President Vladimir Putin.

The ICC in March issued an arrest warrant for Putin for the war crime of “deporting” Ukrainian children.

As a member of the ICC, South Africa is obliged to arrest Putin if he attends the Brics summit later this year.

ALSO READ: ANC wants to withdraw SA from ICC amid Putin arrest demands – Ramaphosa

South Africa, which is the Brics chair for 2023, is scheduled to host Brazil, China, India, and Russia at the summit in August.

The arrest warrant has divided South Africans, with some calling for Putin’s arrest, while others, including the Economic Freedom Fighters, say no one should touch the Russian president.

Russia and Ukraine war ‘worrying’

International Relations and Cooperation Minister Dr Naledi Pandor delivered the department’s budget vote in Parliament on Wednesday and touched on a number of issues, including the Ukraine-Russia war.

“Our world has become increasingly fractured and complex. The most powerful economies are in a trade conflict that threatens all the smaller economies of the world. The conflict between Russia and Ukraine and the insufficient voices calling for peace are working to create a stable environment,” said Pandor.

“The poor and marginalised are facing the greatest threat in that their plight is forgotten while the mighty fight. The result has been increased economic risk and neglect of those in the greatest need. Food inflation and high energy prices have strained incomes and resulted in high debt costs and consistent uncertainty. This is not the world many hoped for when the cold war ended.”

ALSO READ: Ukrainian rights activist calls for SA not to allow Putin to attend Brics

Pandor reiterated Dirco’s stance that negotiations are “imperative” for ending the war – reiterating a non-aligned stance that President Cyril Ramaphosa’s government has been criticised for.

“It is worrying that the conflict in Ukraine has diminished world attention from the challenges in Africa and left the marginalised even more vulnerable to the dangers of terrorism, food insecurity, climate change and instability.”

Pandor further called on Brics leaders to assume a stronger role in bringing peace to Ukraine and Russia.

‘Anti-Brics, afrophobic and afro-pessimists’

During the debate, Mahumapelo announced that the presidency had established a committee to deal with issues around Putin’s warrant.

The committee will “provide a necessary political illumination and guidance on the correct legal, moral and political approach to be followed among other things, the roman statutes,” said Mahumapelo.

“We stand ready to support the expected progressive outcome, because we cannot afford the anti-Brics, afrophobic and afro-pessimists who determine our destiny and defocus us by wanting to impose the responsibility of arresting President Putin on us.

ALSO READ: ANC visit evidence of strengthening SA/Russia ties, Putin’s safety

“Because we are a people anchored on the rule of law, this important task will be done in line with the Diplomatic Immunities and Privileges Act and all other laws.”

Dirco budget

The department’s budget allocation for the 2023/24 year has increased from R6.8 billion in 2022/23 to R6.9 billion for this financial year.

“The increase is largely for compensation of employees, which has been increased by 5% from R3 billion in the past financial year to R3.2 billion in this financial year,” said Pandor.

The goods and services budget has also been increased by 4% to R2.5 billion in the current year.

“The past financial year proved to be a tumultuous year for international relations. We had thought Covid-19 had put us through the most difficult time, but the conflict in Europe has introduced more difficulties for all of us working in international relations.

 READ: SA’s stance on Russia could see country lose R400 billion in trade – report

“Despite the many complicated challenges, our department continued to focus on our core tasks – to strengthen bilateral relations.

“This welcome support will enhance our ability to implement our key programmes and improve the work on our missions.”