The South African Government demarches the US Ambassador
12 May 2023
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) has demarched the United States Ambassador to South Africa, Reuben E Brigety, and expressed the South African Government’s utter displeasure with his conduct and statements made yesterday, alleging that South Africa sold weapons to Russia.
DIRCO finds this behaviour by the US ambassador to South Africa puzzling and at odds with the mutually beneficial and cordial relationship that exists between the United States of America and South Africa.
I was grateful for the opportunity to speak with Foreign Minister Pandor this evening and correct any misimpressions left by my public remarks. In our conversation, I re-affirmed the strong partnership between our two countries & the important agenda our Presidents have given us.
— Ambassador Reuben Brigety (@USAmbRSA) May 12, 2023
Following today’s meeting, Ambassador Reuben E Brigety admitted that he crossed the line and apologised unreservedly to the Government and the people of South Africa.
South Africa is known globally for having one of the most stringent processes when selling arms to other countries. The process is managed by the National Convention Arms Control Committee (NCACC), which was created through an Act of Parliament, the National Conventional Arms Control Act 41 of 2002 (NCAC Act), and the Constitution.
DIRCO welcomes the decision by HE President Cyril Ramaphosa to appoint an independent inquiry to be chaired by a retired judge to look into the allegations made by the US ambassador to South Africa. This process will allow for facts to be established and for role players to be identified. Anyone found to have broken the law will face severe consequences.
South Africa calls on the US Embassy in Pretoria, to use established diplomatic channels of communication to convey any concerns or to seek clarity on any misunderstandings that may arise in the bilateral relationship.
Statement issued by Mr Clayson Monyela, Spokesperson for DIRCO, 12 May 2023
Follow up Tweet by Clayson Monyela, May 13 2023:
"So, let's fill in some gaps & close this matter.
1. In our meeting we reminded Ambassador Brigety that government's National Conventional Arms Control Committee is on record saying they've not approved any sale of arms to Russia, related to the period or incident in question. Therefore, any assertion that "South Africa (Government) sold arms or is arming Russia" is factually incorrect.
2. We invited him to produce any evidence that he relied on for the public pronouncements. None has been submitted yet. The inquiry will be another platform to receive such. 2. Established diplomatic protocols and channels were not observed.
3. Having raised all these and other matters, @USAmbRSA apologised unreservedly. In his tweet, he used language that appears to have left some wondering about the "apology". I have informed his office (diplomatic courtesy) that I'd tweet & tag him (as confirmation).
5. We reaffirmed the commitment to contiue working to enhance the existing cordial, strong and mutually beneficial relations between the two countries."
So, let's fill in some gaps & close this matter. @USAmbRSA & us are keen to move on. The relations between our two countries are strategic and far too important.
— Clayson Monyela (@ClaysonMonyela) May 13, 2023
1. In our meeting we reminded Ambassador Brigety that government's National Conventional Arms Control Committee is…
