Russian naval ship blocked in Cape Town — MK Party demands Ramaphosa intervene

Ship

Cape Town – The MK Party has urged President Cyril Ramaphosa to intervene after 300 sailors aboard the Russian training ship Smolny were reportedly denied permission to disembark in Cape Town on 5 August 2025.

The ship was in port reportedly for the purpose of restocking, refuelling, and resupplying its provisions, according to The Citizen.

MK Party spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela condemned the decision by the government of national unity (GNU) to deny access to sailors, calling it harmful to South Africa-Russia relations.

“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.

“Denying access to the port of entry in Cape Town can only strain diplomatic relations between South Africa and Russia,” said Ndlela.

“The MK Party, therefore, distances itself from the so-called GNU’s decision to refuse the Russian sailors port entry into the City of Cape Town and reaffirms that we cannot support a government that seeks to undermine long-term bilateral ties and trading relations with the Russian state.”

The MK Party reiterated its pro-Russia stance, criticised Western influence, and accused the GNU of jeopardising diplomatic ties.

They also called the incident an “unnecessary international stand-off” and demanded urgent presidential action.

“This is an unnecessary international stand-off which SA cannot afford to wage as a battle. 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,” Ndhlela said.

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