The growing perception that South Africa supports Russia has drawn international attention, especially as global tensions escalate over Russia’s actions in Ukraine. While South Africa claims a stance of neutrality in global affairs, its repeated abstentions from UN resolutions and its participation in joint military drills with Russia have raised eyebrows. These actions suggest that the relationship between the two countries runs deeper than simple non-alignment.
To understand why South Africa supports Russia, we must look beyond surface-level diplomacy. This connection is rooted in shared historical experiences, mutual political ideologies, and strategic cooperation
through platforms like BRICS. From anti-apartheid solidarity to present-day economic and geopolitical partnerships, multiple layers define this complex alliance.
In this in-depth article, we’ll explore the historical foundations, the motives driving current policies, and the broader global implications of South Africa’s support for Russia. Whether you’re a student of international relations, a policy analyst, or just curious about this controversial alliance, this comprehensive guide will shed light on the question: Why does South Africa support Russia?
Why does South Africa support Russia?
South Africa supports Russia primarily due to historical ties formed during the anti-apartheid struggle, strategic alignment through BRICS, and shared foreign policy values like non-interventionism. This support is nuanced, often reflecting a position of neutrality rather than outright endorsement of Russia’s actions.
What Is the Historical Context Behind South Africa’s Ties with Russia?
South Africa’s ties with Russia are deeply rooted in a historical alliance that began during the Cold War. At a time when many Western powers either ignored or supported the apartheid regime, the Soviet Union took a bold stance by backing liberation movements across Africa. In particular, the USSR provided critical military, financial, and ideological support to the African National Congress (ANC), which was at the forefront of the anti-apartheid struggle. This long-standing solidarity built a relationship of trust and loyalty between Russia and the ANC—one that endured even after both nations underwent political transformations.
Following the fall of apartheid in the early 1990s, South Africa transitioned into a democracy under ANC leadership. Meanwhile, Russia emerged from the collapse of the Soviet Union, but the historical camaraderie between the two countries remained intact. Many ANC leaders who were beneficiaries of Soviet aid rose to power and carried their gratitude into South Africa’s foreign policy.
This bond is further reinforced by South Africa’s post-colonial approach to international relations, which often challenges Western dominance and favors a multipolar world. The nation’s policies of non-alignment and sovereignty closely mirror Russia’s rhetoric. These shared values and a legacy of support continue to shape why South Africa supports Russia today.
How Does BRICS Influence South Africa’s Support for Russia?
BRICS as a Counterbalance to Western Power
The BRICS alliance—comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—serves as a significant counterweight to Western-led institutions like the IMF and World Bank. For South Africa, membership in BRICS represents an opportunity to reshape its global alliances, shift economic dependencies, and align itself with emerging powers that prioritize mutual development over unilateral dominance. Within this multilateral setting, South Africa’s support for Russia becomes part of a broader strategic commitment to global diversification.
Shared Political Philosophy and Foreign Policy Alignment
BRICS is founded on principles of sovereignty, equality among nations, and non-intervention in internal affairs. These ideals closely reflect South Africa’s foreign policy, which has consistently championed non-alignment and diplomatic neutrality. By supporting Russia—or at least refraining from condemning its actions—South Africa reinforces its position as a staunch advocate for a multipolar world order and resists pressures from Western powers to conform to their geopolitical narratives.
Economic Initiatives and Strategic Positioning
A key pillar of BRICS cooperation is economic development through joint financial mechanisms like the New Development Bank (NDB). This institution enables BRICS members to access funding independent of Western financial systems. South Africa’s alignment with Russia ensures it maintains influence in shaping these initiatives, gaining both economic benefits and strategic leverage in decision-making processes that affect the Global South.
Diplomatic Messaging to the West
By maintaining cordial relations with Russia and abstaining from condemnatory votes, South Africa sends a clear diplomatic message. It signals disapproval of selective outrage and moral grandstanding often exhibited by Western countries—particularly those with colonial legacies. In this way, South Africa’s support for Russia is less about approving specific actions and more about challenging the perceived hypocrisy in global power structures.
Why Does South Africa Maintain Neutrality in the Russia- Ukraine Conflict?
South Africa’s decision to remain neutral in the Russia- Ukraine conflict has drawn criticism from international observers. However, this neutrality is not a sudden development—it is deeply embedded in South Africa’s long-standing foreign policy approach. Rather than taking a firm stance against Russia’s actions, the country has chosen to follow a non-aligned path that serves multiple strategic, political, and ideological purposes.
Here are the key reasons behind South Africa’s neutral position:
- Non-Aligned Foreign Policy: South Africa traditionally follows a non-aligned diplomatic strategy. By not taking sides in global conflicts, it preserves its ability to engage with multiple powers and maintain flexibility in international relations.
- Skepticism Toward Western Narratives: South African leadership often questions the framing of global events by Western nations. There is a strong perception that the West selectively condemns certain countries while ignoring its history of intervention and destabilization.
- Intent to Act as Mediator: By avoiding condemnation or open support, South Africa keeps the door open to play a mediating role in international conflicts, positioning itself as a neutral peace broker rather than a partisan actor.
- Maintaining BRICS Unity: Condemning Russia could disrupt cohesion within the BRICS alliance. With China and India also cautious in their stance on Russia, South Africa’s neutrality helps preserve intra-bloc harmony.
- Domestic Political Sentiment: The ruling ANC maintains historical ties with Russia, and its support base often views the West with distrust due to colonial and apartheid-era policies. This influences the government’s cautious diplomatic tone.
When Did South Africa’s Modern Support for Russia Become More Visible?
In recent years, South Africa’s support for Russia has transitioned from a historical bond to a more pronounced diplomatic stance. This evolution became noticeable after the country joined BRICS in 2010—a move that marked its intent to support a multipolar world order and distance itself from Western-dominated institutions.
The shift became clearer through South Africa’s repeated abstentions from United Nations votes condemning Russia’s actions, particularly after the 2014 annexation of Crimea and the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. While the government insisted on neutrality, many observers saw these abstentions as a subtle approval of Russia’s behavior.
In 2023, South Africa further deepened its visible support by conducting joint naval exercises with Russia and China, drawing sharp criticism from Western powers. Yet, the government defended the drills as routine engagements with strategic partners. Hosting Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov while continuing talks with Ukraine reflects South Africa’s effort to maintain diplomatic balance. Though officially neutral, these decisions have made its alignment with Russia increasingly apparent.
Why Does South Africa Support Russia in Multilateral Institutions?
South Africa’s support for Russia within multilateral platforms such as the United Nations and G20 stems from a combination of diplomatic strategy, ideological alignment, and historical loyalty. Below are the primary reasons, broken down for clarity:
- Voting Behavior at the United Nations: South Africa has consistently abstained from voting on UN resolutions that condemn Russia’s actions in Ukraine. These abstentions are not accidental; they reflect South Africa’s long-standing foreign policy approach that favors negotiation and peaceful dialogue over punitive measures. The country avoids taking sides in major power disputes to maintain its neutral image and preserve relationships with all global players.
- Trade and Arms Agreements: Though trade volumes between South Africa and Russia are not massive, their economic engagements are strategically significant. Both countries collaborate in critical sectors such as nuclear energy, military technology, and agriculture. These partnerships strengthen South Africa’s defense and energy capabilities, contributing to its long-term development goals.
- Shared Global South Identity: South Africa identifies with Russia as part of the Global South—a bloc of nations that often positions itself against Western dominance. This shared identity fosters solidarity in global institutions, where South Africa often aligns with Russia on issues of sovereignty, self-determination, and anti-colonial resistance.
- Opposition to Economic Sanctions: South Africa is openly critical of unilateral sanctions, viewing them as coercive tools that primarily hurt civilian populations rather than political elites. This stance aligns closely with Russia’s opposition to Western-imposed sanctions, reinforcing their mutual stance in multilateral debates.
Conclusion
In navigating the question of why does South Africa support Russia, one must acknowledge a tapestry of history, ideology, pragmatism, and diplomacy. This alignment is not blind loyalty but a strategic expression of sovereignty, shaped by decades of shared struggle and emerging global shifts. The relationship is layered—anchored in liberation memories, driven by BRICS solidarity, and framed by a commitment to non-alignment. As the world moves toward multipolarity, South Africa’s stance may become even more significant in shaping alternative power narratives.
FAQ’s
Q. Why did South Africa abstain from UN votes on Russia?
A. South Africa follows a non-aligned foreign policy and believes strongly in resolving international conflicts through diplomacy and dialogue rather than isolating nations with punitive actions like sanctions or condemnations.
Q. Is South Africa officially allied with Russia?
A. There is no formal military or political alliance, but the two countries share a strong strategic relationship, especially through platforms like BRICS, where their foreign policy values and global interests frequently align.
Q. Does South Africa trade heavily with Russia?
A. While overall trade volume remains modest, the two countries engage in key sectors such as nuclear energy, defense technology, and agriculture—highlighting the strategic rather than economic nature of their partnership.
Q. What is BRICS, and why does it matter in this context?
A. BRICS is an alliance of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa aimed at promoting economic cooperation and geopolitical influence outside Western institutions. South Africa supports Russia partly to maintain its leverage and voice within this growing global bloc.
Q. How does history influence South Africa’s support for Russia?
A. During the apartheid era, the Soviet Union was a major supporter of the African National Congress (ANC), offering funding, training, and military aid. That historical loyalty still influences South Africa’s diplomatic posture toward Russia today.
