Stand up for principle and block the Russian superyacht

1 November 2022

The South African government's scandalous decision to allow the superyacht of the Russian oligarch Alexey Mordashov to dock in South Africa is an international embarrassment.

The DA notes that the international media, such as the Wall Street Journal, is reporting on this matter and specifically points out that South Africa will allow the vessel in our waters despite American and European sanctions on its owner.

The DA wholeheartedly agrees with Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis' call on Internal Relations Minister Naledi Pandor to block the docking of the yacht.

The free world has taken a conscious decision to push for an end to Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine and any efforts that do not support or encourage that call is immoral.

Also, by allowing the free flow of movement of Russian tycoons and their toys in South Africa we are attracting a market that can bring unneccessary and unwanted attention to our shores that could see more terror warnings, longer grey listing periods and perhaps even lead to a run in hyperinflation.

With the South African government on the wrong side of international law, the DA is compelled to pursue means for this ship to be arrested once it enters South African waters.

As much as the South African government is not legally bound by the USA and EU sanctions,we are also not legally bound to allow the yacht to dock.

As the party that holds the national government to account, the DA adds its voice to that of Cape Town Mayor Hill-Lewis and we implore President Ramaphosa and Minister Pandor to stand up for international law and refuse entry to this yacht.

Issued by Darren Bergman, DA Shadow Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, 1 November 2022