The denial of port entry to The Smolny, a Russian Navy Baltic Fleet training vessel, in Cape Town on Tuesday, a year after she visited, has caused considerable diplomatic fallout and drawn strong criticism from the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party. 

While the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) has remained tight-lipped regarding the specific allegations, a senior government source, speaking on condition of anonymity, attributed the denial to “late negotiations with Donald Trump over the tariffs saga”.

On Thursday, DIRCO spokesperson Chrispin Phiri did not respond to text messages containing questions regarding why the vessel was denied entry.

However, the source asserted that this new development added a complex layer to what was already a contentious issue, suggesting that South Africa’s decision may be a calculated move aimed at navigating its intricate relationship with major global powers, rather than a direct snub to Russia.

The Smolny, reportedly carrying cadets on a training mission to hone their maritime, communication, and navigation skills, had intended to make a brief stopover in Cape Town for restocking, replenishment, and resupply. 

“These visits typically signify friendly relations and mutual recognition between nations.

“However, this ‘tariffs saga’ with US President Donald Trump introduces a new dynamic. While the details of these late negotiations remain undisclosed, it is plausible that South Africa faced pressure or made a strategic concession to avoid punitive tariffs or to secure favourable trade terms with the United States,” the source said.

Political analyst Dr John Molepo said the timing of The Smolny‘s arrival, coinciding with these critical negotiations, may have placed the South African government in a precarious position, forcing a decision that, while perhaps uninviting, was deemed necessary for broader economic or strategic considerations.

“The government’s apparent silence on the matter, with DIRCO only acknowledging ‘allegations’, further suggests the sensitivity surrounding the decision. Publicly acknowledging a direct link to US tariff negotiations could be perceived as a submission or a lack of sovereign decision-making, potentially straining relations with other allies.”

Molepo said maintaining a degree of uncertainty allows the government to manage the diplomatic fallout and avoid explicitly siding with one global power over another, despite its stated neutral stance on international affairs.

The MKP, however, has wasted no time in condemning the Government of National Unity’s (GNU) decision, viewing it as a direct affront to long-standing bilateral ties with Russia. 

In a strongly worded statement, the MKP emphasised its pro-Russia stance, aligning itself against “Western imperialism and hegemonic influence”.

The MKP asserted that Russia has been a “loyal, honest partner to South Africa” for over 60 years, providing unwavering support and aid to South African liberation movements during the apartheid era.

“Denying access to the port of entry in Cape Town can only strain diplomatic relations between South Africa and Russia,” the MK Party’s statement read. They explicitly distanced themselves from the GNU’s decision, arguing that it “cannot support a government that seeks to undermine long-term bilateral ties and trading relations with the Russian state”.

The party further highlighted Russia’s status as a “key strategic partner to South Africa and a fellow member of BRICS”, saying there were deep historical connections between the two nations that date back to the 1960s. 

Beyond the immediate diplomatic implications, the MK Party also slammed President Cyril Ramaphosa, demanding his “urgent intervention” in the matter. 

They accused his “continuous absence from leadership at critical moments” of undermining the South African government, weakening the economy, and now, with the Russian ship incident, threatening to strain South Africa’s relations with Russia.

About 400 personnel are on board the vessel, comprising 200 naval cadets and foreign military personnel from allied nations. The Russian Ministry of Defence stated that future naval officers will receive practical training during the voyage.

The Smolny, on its first African tour, visited Equatorial Guinea (July 20) and Sao Tome and Principe (July 23), offering guided tours to military, police, students, and local Russians. On July 27, it docked in Pointe-Noire, Republic of Congo, where naval cooperation talks were held. 

After departing on July 30, The Smolny arrived in Cape Town on August 5. Following South Africa, it will proceed to Tanzania and Vietnam before returning to Vladivostok in late September. Fifteen Tanzanian military students are aboard.

mashudu.sadike@inl.co.za

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