The allure of the Kalahari Desert’s mineral wealth appears to play a crucial role in shaping South Africa’s foreign policy approach with Russia and the West Western diplomats and experts have recently expressed concern over South Africa’s recent foreign policy toward Russia, viewing it as in conflict with its “non-alignment” status. To the annoyance and worry of its Western allies, South Africa recently deepened its ties with Moscow. This approach may be motivated by a lucrative alliance between South African and Russian interests, which is located deep within the Kalahari Desert. It is essential to understand the intricacies involved and the variables affecting the viewpoint.
A manganese mine with political linkages
Foreign nations value the Kalahari Desert primarily for its immense mineral resources, particularly manganese. The United Manganese of Kalahari (UMK) mines are located deep in the Kalahari Desert. They are an extremely profitable venture with close financial ties to Russian oligarch Viktor Vekselberg, a key ally of President Vladimir Putin.
You can also read: Putin Affirms Russia’s Willingness for Talks with Ukraine
The oligarch oversees the Renova Group, a sprawling corporation with stakes in numerous infrastructure and mineral ventures. Chancellor House Holdings (CHH), a holding corporation with ties to the ruling African National Congress (ANC), is another major player in these mines. The connection between Chancellor House and the ANC remained concealed for years until investigative journalism in 2021 revealed the ties. Concerns have been expressed about the influence of foreign money from Russia on South Africa’s foreign policy due to these ties.
Chancellor House claims to support historically disadvantaged South African individuals or entities, but some worry that the ANC’s financial challenges may lead it to prioritize its interests over those of the nation. With the ANC being the single biggest donor to the party, and contributions from Chancellor House adding up to at least $2.9 million since 2021, skeptics fear potential foreign influence on South Africa’s foreign policy decisions. In a statement, UMK said its donations were all above board. “Like many international democracies, including the US, the South African legal framework allows private individuals and organizations to make transparent donations to political parties. UMK’s donations comply in all respects with national laws,” the statement read.
US accusations and concerns
The West’s allegations are that South Africa is providing Russia with covert weapons have escalated tensions between the two nations. The South African government has denied the allegations, but the situation has prompted a probe. South Africa’s stance on Russia was criticized by US Ambassador Reuben Brigety II, which further strained relations between the two countries. Considering South Africa’s significance as an African superpower and its historic victory over apartheid, the United States has approached the country with restraint.
Critics claim that South Africa’s recent actions, such as hosting joint military exercises with Russia and China and permitting a Russian cargo plane to land at a South African air force base, indicate a tilt toward Moscow. While the ANC did not respond to specific allegations, opposition leaders and analysts have expressed concern about the risks associated with maintaining such close ties with Russia, particularly when it could affect investment, trade, employment, economic development, and even isolate South Africa from the West.
South Africa’s lucrative relationship with Russia in the Kalahari Desert has increased suspicions about foreign influence on its foreign policy decisions. In addition, the US Treasury sanctioned Vekselberg in 2018 and 2022 for his support of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Spanish authorities and the FBI impounded Tango, his $90 million yacht, on the Spanish island of Mallorca after the full-scale invasion of Ukraine commenced. According to Cyprus business records, Vekselberg still retains a significant stake in UMK despite Western sanctions.
Russia’s moves in Africa
Africa represents a new power center for Russia, which is actively pursing diplomatic and economic endeavors across the continent. Since January, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has made two trips to Africa in an effort to ally African nations with Moscow and portray Russia as a counterweight to Western “imperialism” and “neocolonialism.”
Moreover, in light of the intensifying scrutiny of South Africa’s relationship with Russia, the recent Russia-Africa summit in St. Petersburg was a pivotal event. At the recent Russia- Africa summit, 49 countries were represented, including 17 chiefs of state. The presence of President Ramaphosa and other African leaders at this week’s summit in St. Petersburg highlights Russia’s significance to the continent and the failure of Western powers to isolate Putin.
Putin offered debt forgiveness and free grain to six African nations at the summit as part of Russia’s efforts to acquire allies in the region. African leaders used the opportunity to call for a peaceful resolution to the Ukraine conflict, expressing concern over disruptions to energy and agricultural supplies caused by the conflict.
The expanding relationship between Russia and Africa reflects its diplomatic and economic offensives on the continent. The Kremlin endeavors to recruit African nations by presenting itself as a counterweight to Western influence.
The two African tours of Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov were part of these efforts to strengthen Moscow’s ties on the continent. Russia intends to increase its investments in Africa, with ambitious plans to construct plants and factories and expand diplomatic missions. In addition, it has provided security services, such as the Wagner mercenary army, to African regimes contending with armed groups.
South Africa’s foreign policy approach
South Africa’s official position has been “non-alignment,” which aims to remain neutral and promote dialogue as a means to resolve conflicts. Critics, however, point to incidents such as joint military exercises with Russia and the mooring of a sanctioned Russian vessel at a South African naval base as evidence of a pro-Kremlin bias.
Given his country’s position on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa’s presence at the Russia-Africa summit attracted attention. South Africa maintained that it continues to prioritize dialogue and negotiation to resolve conflicts, despite the summit’s objective of bolstering Moscow’s position in Africa. While not explicitly criticizing Russia, their calls for de-escalation and an end to disruptions of energy and grain supplies served as reminders of African concern regarding the conflict’s impact on rising food prices.
Lastly, as Russia continues to engage diplomatically and economically in Africa, the continent is becoming a critical arena for Moscow’s endeavors. African leaders are navigating the complexities of maintaining ties with both Russia and Western partners while advocating for peaceful resolutions to global conflicts.
