The United States ambassador to South Africa, Reuben Brigety, has apologized to the South African government for his public comments alleging that South Africa had supplied Russia with arms and ammunition to aid the ongoing invasion of Ukraine, Minister Naledi Pandor summoned Brigety on Friday night to chastise him for his claims.
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) released a statement expressing puzzlement at Brigety’s behavior, which it said was at odds with the mutually beneficial and cordial relationship between the two countries.
The statement further revealed that Brigety admitted to having crossed the line and apologized unreservedly to the government and people of S.A.
The allegations made by Brigety caused speculation and saw the rand crash against the US dollar. South African officials had denied having any knowledge of the business of a Russian ship that docked at Simon’s Town Naval Base in Cape Town last year, despite heavy speculation.
Following the allegations, President Cyril Ramaphosa has established an independent inquiry to investigate the matter.