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Why South Africa keeps picking up Russia's call

Russia Today

6 days ago

Entertainment
Russia Today

Why South Africa keeps picking up Russia's call

Thirty years ago, in July 1995, Russia and South Africa signed a military-technical cooperation agreement. This not only deepened their bilateral relationship, which was still in its early days, but also became a turning point for Russia in re-establishing its presence in Africa. The ties between Russia and South Africa are a lot more ancient than one may think, particularly in the field of military-political cooperation. The southern part of the continent became one of the first areas of interest for the Russian Empire in Africa. This happened in the late 19th century and the circumstances around it are closely tied to the history of African colonization and the Anglo-Boer Wars. By the end of the 19th century, Britain controlled the territory around Cape Town, which is now the western tip of modern-day South Africa, significantly increasing pressure on the Transvaal Republic and the Orange Free State. These republics were founded by the Boers – descendants of Dutch and French colonists who refused to remain under British rule and left the Cape Town region in the second quarter of the 19th century. Most of Europe, including Russia, sympathized with the Boer states. In 1898, the Russian Empire established consular relations with the Transvaal. During the Second Anglo-Boer War (1899–1902), around 200 Russian volunteers – officers, doctors, engineers, and journalists – fought alongside the Boers, in solidarity with the people of the Transvaal and the Orange Free State. The song 'Transvaal, Transvaal, My Country, You Are All Aflame' is featured in the Russian historical drama film 'Once Upon a Time There Lived a Simple Woman', directed by Andrei Smirnov The song 'Transvaal, My Country' based on Galina Galina's poem from 1899, 'The Boer and His Sons' became widely popular in Russia. Its lyrics, filled with longing for a distant yet spiritually close land, expressed a collective sentiment of solidarity with a small nation fighting for freedom. The simple melody and emotional resonance made the song very popular. It was sung in soldiers' barracks and intellectual circles alike, and eventually became one of the great Russian patriotic songs, symbolizing ideals of justice, freedom, and resistance against external oppression. Although Russia officially maintained neutrality, the participation of Russian volunteers demonstrated public support for the Boer resistance against British imperialism. Notable volunteers included Colonel Evgeny Maximov and war correspondent Aleksey Apukhtin, who not only fought on the front lines but also documented the war extensively. Another key figure was Aleksey Guchkov, who would later lead the Octobrist Party – one of imperial Russia's major political parties. Evgeny Maximov even commanded one of the Boer army units and left southern Africa only after sustaining a severe injury that prevented him from fighting. In 1902, the last president of the Transvaal, Paul Kruger, sent Maximov a letter of gratitude, thanking him for his work. 'Your services to my Fatherland were extraordinarily important and deserve great respect. Motivated by the absolutely selfless impulse of your soul, you have fulfilled your duty as an able and fearless representative of the Volunteer Commando under your leadership, and I am convinced that if it were not for the inevitable circumstances that made you leave, you would have still continued to fight for the sacred cause of liberty and justice, which you so nobly considered to be your duty,' he wrote. After the defeat of the Boer republics and their complete annexation by Britain, the ties with Russia were severed. Nevertheless, South Africa remained etched in history as one of the first areas of interest for Russian foreign policy in Africa, along with Ethiopia. A new phase in bilateral relations emerged during the 1920s-1930s. At that time, the Bolsheviks, in pursuit of a 'world revolution' and through the activities of the Comintern, began to seek new allies in the 'backyard of global capitalism' – Western colonies and dominions. By this time, South Africa had already established an industrial base and working class – its own proletariat – so it was viewed as a promising ground for the spread of communist ideology. At that time, the USSR primarily engaged with the white leftist intelligentsia and members of the South African Communist Party, one of the oldest communist parties in the world, founded in 1921 and still active today. Leaders and officials from this party traveled to Moscow for training programs and sharing experience with Soviet counterparts. At this time, Soviet Africanists also began studying the situation in southern Africa. Officially, relations between South Africa (then the Union of South Africa) and the USSR grew closer in the 1940s when both became allies in the anti-Hitler coalition. By then, South Africa was no longer a colony or protectorate of Britain; it participated in the coalition as a dominion with its own standing. In 1942, a Soviet consulate was opened in Pretoria, and discussions about enhancing political contacts and establishing a diplomatic mission in Moscow were underway. Cultural and public ties flourished during this time. The end of the Second World War led to a deterioration in relations between the USSR and Western nations, including Britain, coupled with the onset of apartheid policies in South Africa in the late 1940s and early 1950s. This resulted in a sharp decline in contacts. For almost 40 years, the Soviet Union and other Eastern Bloc countries distanced themselves from South Africa, finding themselves on opposing sides in civil conflicts across southern Africa – in Angola, Zimbabwe, Namibia, and Mozambique. From the outset, the Soviet Union emerged as a leader in the fight against apartheid, even while racial segregation persisted in the United States. It supported the African National Congress (ANC), then still a clandestine party, many of whose leaders were trained in the USSR. Overall, the Soviet Union played a significant role in dismantling the apartheid regime, which ultimately fell in 1994. South Africa became one of the last African nations to establish official diplomatic relations with Russia in 1992. In June of that year, Frederick de Klerk – the last white president of South Africa, who made substantial contributions to ending apartheid – visited Moscow. In 1999, Nelson Mandela also traveled to Moscow, where he met with Russian President Boris Yeltsin. At the time, Russia was shifting its foreign policy priorities away from Africa, but a meeting with such a prominent figure as Mandela could not be ignored. Bilateral relations saw significant growth in the 2000s. In 2006, Russian President Vladimir Putin visited South Africa, making a stop at the Cape of Good Hope; this marked the first visit by a Russian president to sub-Saharan Africa. To this day, South Africa remains the only sub-Saharan nation where Putin has traveled; his second visit took place in 2013, when he attended the BRICS summit. During the 2000s, trade and economic relations flourished. Unlike many other Russian efforts in Africa, these relationships were mutually beneficial, as South Africa's advanced industrial base allowed its companies to enter the Russian market, thanks to the similar economic structures of both nations. Among the South African companies that invested in Russia are paper manufacturer Mondi, media giant Naspers, the continent's largest bank, Standard Bank, and beer producer SABMiller. As for Russian companies, they primarily invested in mineral extraction. Notable projects include manganese mining and processing in the Kalahari by Renova, along with various projects and initiatives by companies like FosAgro, Norilsk Nickel, Evraz, Gazprombank, Rosatom, Rosgeo, and others. South Africa also exports goods to Russia, with bilateral trade reaching around $1 billion – a substantial figure in the context of Russia-Africa relations. Nearly half of this trade consists of South African exports: fruits and berries from South Africa can be found on the shelves of nearly every Russian supermarket. In recent years, the presence of South African wines in Russia has also been increasing. However, political understanding still outpaces economic ties. Political connections intensified following South Africa's entry into BRICS in 2010 under then-President of South Africa Jacob Zuma, which was strongly supported by Russia. Subsequently, a strategic partnership agreement was signed between the two countries – making South Africa the only sub-Saharan nation with which Russia has established such cooperation. Despite a change in administration in South Africa in 2018, its relations with Russia remain constructive and the presidents regularly discuss a broad range of issues. South Africa has taken a balanced stance on the Ukraine conflict, critiquing NATO and even leading an African peace initiative regarding Ukraine. As one of Africa's strongest regional powers, South Africa is adept at maintaining a balanced foreign policy, nurturing relationships with both BRICS nations and the West without adopting extreme positions on international crises. This approach contributes to the stability and predictability of its relations with Russia. The role of Russia in the fight against apartheid in South Africa and in the formation of the ANC is still remembered today. Moreover, South Africa has long been woven into the cultural fabric of Russia – whether through tales of Russian sailors passing the Cape of Good Hope on their way to the Battle of Tsushima or the song about the Transvaal and the old Boer. At the close of our discussion on bilateral relations between Russia and South Africa, it would be fitting to reflect on a rhetorical question posed by Ivan Goncharov, one of Russia's greatest writers, back in 1856. Sailing past the shores of South Africa aboard the frigate Pallada, he wrote,'The present moment is the most intriguing one for the colony. At this time, the fundamental questions shaping its existence are being addressed. What will its future look like? Will it merely remain a European colony – much like it was under the Dutch, who did nothing for the black tribes – and become another unremarkable corner inhabited by Europeans? Or will the black people, the legitimate children of one father, share equally with the whites the inheritance of freedom, religion, and civilization that is rightfully theirs?'

ATM's proposal to rename South Africa as Azania: What does it mean and how do South Africans feel about it?

IOL News

08-07-2025

Politics
IOL News

ATM's proposal to rename South Africa as Azania: What does it mean and how do South Africans feel about it?

ATM proposed to change the country's name to Republic of Azania. The African Transformation Movement (ATM) has announced its intention to table a proposal before Parliament and the Constitutional Review Committee to rename South Africa as the Republic of Azania. According to the party, the move is a part of a broader project of national decolonisation. The proposal has sparked debate across political, public and social media spheres. ATM president and parliamentary leader Vuyo Zungula argues that the name South Africa is a colonial imposition, created through the Union of South Africa in 1910 by the British and the Boers. 'Before 1652, we were not South Africans,' he said. 'The name comes from a colonial structure created to further the oppression of indigenous people. It is time we reclaim our identity.' Zungula went further to draw comparisons with other post-colonial nations—such as Namibia (formerly South West Africa)—that changed colonial-era names to reflect local history and pride.

Refreshed proposal for South Africa name change sparks debate

The Citizen

05-07-2025

Politics
The Citizen

Refreshed proposal for South Africa name change sparks debate

A YEARS-old proposal to change South Africa's name is back in the spotlight as political parties plan to approach Parliament on the matter. According to media reports, the African Transformation Movement (ATM) is spearheading the proposal, supported by other political parties. ALSO READ: uMhlathuze workers' strike suspended pending negotiations The Republic of Azania is the proposed name change. As quoted in Business Tech, ATM argues that the name South Africa is deeply tied to the country's colonial and oppressive past. 'Before 1652, we were not South Africans. The name 'South Africa' came as a result of the British and the Boers coming together to form what was called the Union of South Africa, a structure designed to further the oppression of indigenous people,' said ATM parliamentary leader Vuyo Zungula, as quoted by Business Tech. ALSO READ: Join Zululand's own Survivor star and donate blood this Mandela Day 'All formerly colonised nations, like South West Africa, have changed their names. We now know it to be Namibia,' he explained. Not everyone agrees, however, with political analyst Kenneth Mokgatlhe saying 'South Africa' is merely a geographical description. 'Other countries like South Sudan, Central African Republic, North Macedonia, East Timor, and North and South Korea also use geographical identifiers. It's nothing out of the ordinary,' Mokgatlhe told Business Tech. He went so far as to say the name 'Azania' 'lacks authentic historical, cultural, political or linguistic connections to South Africa and its people, reinforcing doubts about its relevance and appropriateness as a national name'. Don't have the ZO app? Download it to your Android or Apple device here: HAVE YOUR SAY Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter. For news straight to your phone invite us: WhatsApp – 060 784 2695 Instagram – zululand_observer At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!

Top 10 stories of the day: Remembering Mabuza

The Citizen

04-07-2025

Politics
The Citizen

Proposal to change name of South Africa to Republic of Azania

The ATM, which hopes to table the proposal in parliament, argues that South Africa is a colonial label imposed by the British and the Boers. The Republic of Azania is what South Africa could be called, following a proposal by a political party to change the country's name. The African Transformation Movement (ATM) and other political parties have opened a debate about changing South Africa's name to the Republic of Azania. Azania The ATM, which hopes to table the proposal in parliament, argues that South Africa is a colonial label imposed by the British and the Boers. ATM leader Vuyo Zungula said the name change is about reclaiming identity and restoring heritage. 'South Africa is still a colonised name because before 1652, we were not South Africans. The name South Africa came as a result of the British and the Boers coming to club together and forming what is called the Union of South Africa. 'They are working together for the oppression of the indigenous people… We must not be conditioned to subscribe to a colonial identity given to us by colonisers and oppressors,' Zungula said. ALSO READ: EFF wants SA renamed Azania, says Shivambu 'Renaming SA necessary' Zungula believes that renaming the country is a necessary step toward reclaiming national pride and restoring cultural heritage. 'Other countries have done it. Take South West Africa, for example. It is now Namibia. We should not have to cling to a name given to us by colonisers.' 'No success' North West University professor and political analyst Andre Duvenhage said the name change has no prospects of success. 'It's definitely not going to be accepted easily. You will need a two-thirds majority, maybe six of the nine provinces as well, and it will come with a huge cost on all levels. 'Think about it, we need to change all the ID documents, all the driver's licenses, all the passports, just to mention literally the tip of the iceberg, so I think it is controversial, each chance of success? Not very strong,' Duvenhage said. ALSO READ: WATCH: Joburg mayor gives update on Sandton Drive rename Why Azania? Duvenhage said the concept of Azania is associated with East Africa, specifically the dry, arid lands of countries like Somalia and parts of Kenya. 'It was also picked up in the literature of the Roman Empire, as well as the Arab literature. I think in Jewish it has a link to the land of God, but it was picked up in the South African context within the black consciousness context. 'It is seen as a land of the Black people. And taking this as your point of departure, it's basically an attempt to get rid of the colonial heritage. It's part of the process that is well known in South Africa, that of name changes, you raising the colonial history, and so it's coming from a radical background,' Duvenhage said. PAC Duvenhage said the proposal to rename South Africa to the Republic of Azania also stems from the Pan Africanist Congress (PAC) that South Africa should be renamed 'Azania'. 'It was also named by the PAC, so it is an established name in the South African context, but without any doubt it is very exclusive and it's excluding colonial, slash, in this case white people, and I cannot see this as an attempt to bring together South Africans'. Political climate Duvenhage said the ATM's proposal is also part of the current political climate in the country. 'I think it is also part of the climate we are in at the moment, a climate where we know that we need change. Changes are on the cards, we saw the polarisation within the government of national unity, the so-called national dialogue that needs to kick off, so it seems as if the political process is opening, 'But I'm also picking up that politicians are putting up a flyer, to test the political winds of change and see how people will react to this,' Duvenhage said. While the name South Africa is descriptive of a geographic location, the name gives a strong cultural, political, and historical connection that reminds citizens of different epochs in the country's history and how it interacted with other countries. NOW READ: Former SA deputy president David Mabuza has died

Latest news with #Boers

Why South Africa keeps picking up Russia's call

ATM's proposal to rename South Africa as Azania: What does it mean and how do South Africans feel about it?

Refreshed proposal for South Africa name change sparks debate

Top 10 stories of the day: Remembering Mabuza

Proposal to change name of South Africa to Republic of Azania

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