By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed a three-member independent panel to enquire into the circumstances of the docking of the Russian vessel known a Lady R in Simonstown, Western Cape.
The panel comprises of Judge Phineas Mojapelo as Chairperson, as well as Advocate Leah Gcabashe and Enver Surty. Through this inquiry, government seeks to establish the circumstances that led to the docking of the ship, and the alleged loading of cargo, and its departure from Simonstown, during the period from 6 to 9 December 2022.
This was after Ramaphosa slammed US Ambassador to South Africa Reuben Bridety II for going public on the matter.
He said the ambassador went public on the matter in spite of an agreement between the two countries that an investigation was under way.
This issue was also discussed when national security adviser Sydney Mufamadi met with Biden administration officials in Washington recently.
In a statement Presidency said, “the panel has been tasked to establish persons who were aware of the cargo ship’s arrival, and, if any, the contents to be off-loaded or loaded, the departure and destination of the cargo.”
“Furthermore, the panel will evaluate whether constitutional, legal or other obligations were complied with in relation to the cargo ship’s arrival, its stay, the loading or off-loading of its contents, and its departure.”
“The panel’s report will include recommendations on any steps that may need to be taken in light of their findings or as a result of any breaches that may have occurred, read the statement.”
The panel is expected to finalise its investigation within 6 weeks of its appointment and will be expected to submit its report to the President within 2 weeks of concluding its work. The panel may request an extension of this time frame should it be necessary.
South Africa has been at pains to maintain its non-aligned stance over Russia’s invasion of Ukraine — and has abstained in the voting in successive resolutions on the matter before the UN General Assembly.
Ramaphosa said he had agreed with both Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelenskiy “to commence with preparations for engagements with the African heads of state.”
He said that the UN secretary general Antonio Gutteres had been briefed about the initiative and had welcomed it.