With the Brics summit soon to begin, and naval exercises with Russia and China in the background, it is true that South Africa does not have the best image as a liberal democracy these days. However, South Africa is one of the few democracies that is open about talking to Russia, it is not all bad and it gives the government and we as citizens a unique opportunity. As citizens, we can also remind ourselves why our freedom is so important.
The fundamental freedoms on which South Africa’s democracy is built – freedom of expression, freedom of information and a free press – are fought for by generations of citizens. Autocratic states fight against these freedoms in the most inhumane ways possible. Some of these methods have been used against journalists and researchers in Russia and China.
The autocratic, if not totalitarian, regimes of Russia and China are not used to citizens exercising these rights and freedoms. Protesters in Russia against the invasion of Ukraine have been hit with some of the most brutal crackdowns in recent memory, with some facing prison terms of up to 15 years. We have a unique opportunity to demonstrate to these visiting leaders how much we value our freedom and democracy. We can and should try to pierce the bubble of the autocrat and give voice to the reality that we may not hear from our own subservient media.
While South Africa did not vote to condemn the Russian invasion, the country showed a strong sense of independence and refused to be swayed by Western sentiments. A silver lining to this freedom is certainly the criticism, and public anger, of Russia’s actions that President Vladimir Putin cannot dismiss as “Western propaganda” – whether we have independent minds or we are Western puppets, we cannot. both sides.
The history of South Africa and Africa alone clearly shows how aggressive sovereign states will not produce positive results. Some of the darkest moments in our regional history have come from autocratic governments attempting to use military force to subjugate free people. For the free people of South Africa who are opposed to Russia’s actions, we now have a unique opportunity to directly express our opposition to Mr. Putin that has not been found anywhere else for some time.
SA’s neutral stance on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine was undermined by the decision to host naval exercises with Russia and China. As far back as the Simonstown Agreement of 1955, the South African government has been responsible for the security of shipping routes in the region. Many countries, including the United States, have conducted similar exercises with the South African Navy in the past, which is important to remember when commenting on the current exercise. Because, while it may seem like a good policy not to conduct military exercises with any country that is at war, that policy has almost no cooperation with the US and other NATO countries.
Reading the information available to the public about the current naval training, the main interest is the anti-piracy training, which will be in line with the strategic obligations. However, the public has a right to know important details about this – and any future training. In particular, did South Africa invite Russia and China to participate or request it? When the decision was made to host such training? Are there objections and how are they handled?
But for the most part, as democratic citizens, we must constantly put pressure on our leaders. President Cyril Ramaphosa needs to be more transparent with us about his government’s policy considerations and answer questions raised by the media, not just in parliament.
Daily press briefings during the worst period of the Covid pandemic are an integral part of the government’s response and handling of national disasters. Relevant ministers answering questions from the media are also important, but the president did not participate in the exercise.
As much as we can appreciate the “family meeting” regarding the Covid regulations, there is no direct interaction between the president and the media. Living in a democratic South Africa, we have the right to know the reasons for government decisions and the president has a special responsibility for this.
It is not unusual for a democratically elected president to explain and answer questions about government policies, not just controversial ones. By all means, those who oppose the attitude of the SA and the actions of Russia must openly and freely express themselves; In addition, President Ramaphosa should be open and engaged with the public on government policies.
Dr Simon Taylor is an Outstanding Researcher at NWU and the founder of Ana Nzinga Research. He was formerly from the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, and holds an MSocSci from UCT and a PhD from the University of St Andrews, Scotland. He writes in his own capacity.