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The uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party has sharply criticised the South African government for allegedly denying Russian sailors access to Cape Town’s shores, urging President Cyril Ramaphosa to take immediate action.
At the centre of the dispute is the Smolny, a Russian Baltic fleet training ship that docked in Cape Town on 5 August 2025 as part of a multi-nation voyage. The vessel reportedly carries 300 sailors and was scheduled to restock, replenish and resupply.
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According to Russia’s Baltic Fleet press service, the Smolny has stopped at several ports across the globe, including Havana (Cuba), La Guaira (Venezuela), Walvis Bay (Namibia), Luanda (Angola), Douala (Cameroon), and Cotonou (Benin)—with South Africa being a key point along its journey.
“A Diplomatic Misstep”: MK Party Speaks Out
MK Party national spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela condemned what he described as the “so-called government of national unity’s” (GNU) decision to block Russian sailors from disembarking in Cape Town.
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“The ship has made a short visit to South Africa: an act that indicates that the Russian government views South Africa as a mutual ally and a partner in friendly trade relations,” Ndhlela said.
“Denying access to the port of entry in Cape Town can only strain diplomatic relations between South Africa and Russia.”
He emphasised that the MK Party distances itself from the GNU’s stance and reiterated support for South Africa’s longstanding ties with Russia, which he said have spanned over six decades.
“We cannot support a government that seeks to undermine long-term bilateral ties and trading relations with the Russian state,” he added.
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MK Party Reaffirms Pro-Russia Stance, Warns Ramaphosa
Ndhlela accused the GNU of undermining South Africa’s neutral foreign policy, stating that the MK Party remains firmly opposed to Western imperialism and stands in support of a multipolar world order.
“The MK Party maintains a pro-Russia stance and stands in firm opposition to Western imperialism and hegemonic influence.
“Our stance and position as MK Party is that of assuming an ally position to the Russian state. Russia has been a loyal, honest partner to South Africa and for over 60 years, Russia has never sold out on the support and aid to South African liberation movements,” Ndhlela said.
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Calling the situation an “unnecessary international stand-off,” Ndhlela issued a direct appeal to President Ramaphosa. “We demand that Mr. Ramaphosa urgently intervene in this matter.
“His continuous absence from leadership at critical moments has undermined the South African government, weakened the economy and, with this Russian ship incident, threatens to strain South Africa’s relations with Russia,” he warned.
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