1 March 2022
# South Africa will feel the impact of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine should it intensify and must be clear about who it’s siding with. This is according to political economy analyst Daniel Silke. Last week the Department of International Relations and Cooperation called on Russia to withdraw its troops from Ukraine. Following the department’s statement, President Cyril Ramaphosa has made it clear that the country encourages mediation but won’t take sides. Silke says factions within the ruling party are now also evident when it comes to foreign policy issues like this:
Play sound: ENG-SilkeFactions
He says if the invasion continues South Africa will feel increasing pressure to be aligned with the anti-Russia coalition or to be non-aligned:
Play sound: ENG-SilkeWorldOrder
Meanwhile, the Automobile Association and economists have warned that the conflict can push up international oil prices. Economic and political analyst Kingsley Makhubela, says this is bad news for South Africans already facing a big fuel price hike.
Play sound: ENG-Conflict-Risk-SA-1