Latest news with #TheSmolny
The Citizen
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Citizen
24 hours in pictures, 8 August 2025
24 hours in pictures, 8 August 2025 Through the lens: The Citizen's Picture Editors select the best news photographs from South Africa and around the world. China's Zhang Wei competes in the man's cable wakeboard qualification during the 2025 World Games at the Sancha Lake Taohuadao Arena in Chengdu, in China's southwestern Sichuan province on August 8, 2025. (Photo by Jade GAO / AFP) A protester wearing mask of the US president Trump performs as protesters shout slogans and they hold up signs reading 'This land is not a war base in the US' during a rally against US President Trump's defense policy toward South Korea near the US embassy in Seoul, South Korea, 08 August 2025. Picture: EPA/JEON HEON-KYUN Minister Gayton Mckenzie during the official handover of two multi-purpose sport facilities on August 07, 2025 in Johannesburg, South Africa. The newly developed facilities will support a range of sporting codes, including basketball, netball, tennis, and volleyball, in addition, both schools will receive sports equipment and attire to further promote participation in school sports. (Photo by Gallo Images/Fani Mahuntsi) SANCO Ekurhuleni region members during a service delivery march on August 07, 2025 in Germiston, South Africa. Residents and members of SANCO Ekurhuleni Region marched united through the streets to demand urgent action on basic service delivery issues affecting communities. (Photo by Gallo Images) The Smolny (Russian war ship) at The Port of Cape Town on August 07, 2025 in Cape Town, South Africa. It is reported that The Smolny arrived on South African shores on the 5th August 2025 to restock, replenish and resupply the ship but the sailors have allegedly been refused to disembark. (Photo by Gallo Images/Misha Jordaan) People walk past mural paintings displayed at a river near the Hypocenter Park in Nagasaki, southwestern Japan, 08 August 2025, the day before the upcoming 80th Nagasaki Peace Ceremony. In 1945, the United States dropped two nuclear bombs over the cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki on 06 and 09 August, respectively, killing more than 200,000 people. Picture: EPA/FRANCK ROBICHON A rescuers carries part of a plane at the scene where a Kenyan medical plane crashed, killing at least 6 people, on the outskirts of Nairobi on August 7, 2025. A medical light aircraft crashed into a small residential block near the Kenyan capital Nairobi, killing at least six people and injuring two seriously, a local official said on August 7, 2025. The plane took off from Nairobi's Wilson airport at 2:17 pm local time (1100 GMT) and was en route to Somaliland when it came down in Ruiru, Kiambu County, shortly after 3:00 pm (1200 GMT). (Photo by SIMON MAINA / AFP) Houthi supporters shout slogans and hold up their weapons during a protest against the US and Israel in Sana'a, Yemen, 08 August 2025. Thousands of Houthis demonstrated in Sana'a in support of the Palestinian people and in protest against the United States and Israel for continuing the military campaign in the Gaza Strip. Yemen's Houthis have threatened to target vessels of 64 shipping companies doing business with Israeli ports, according to Houthis-run Saba news agency. Picture: EPA/YAHYA ARHAB A staff member walks to light up candles during a memorial ceremony for the victims of the atomic bomb at the Hypocenter Park in Nagasaki, southwestern Japan, 08 August 2025, the day before the upcoming 80th Nagasaki Peace Ceremony. In 1945, the United States dropped two nuclear bombs over the cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki on 06 and 09 August, respectively, killing more than 200,000 people. Picture: EPA/FRANCK ROBICHON Operation Dudula supporters protest outside Diepkloof Police Station on August 08, 2025 in Soweto, South Africa. This comes after several members of Operation Dudula were arrested yesterday during an operation at a hospital. (Photo by Gallo Images/Luba Lesolle) Lifeguards during the finalisation of the seasonal beach lifeguard assessments at Muizenberg Beach on August 08, 2025 in Cape Town, South Africa. The annual assessments are an important step in preparing for the summer season. (Photo by Gallo Images/ER Lombard) Cambodian Buddhist monks take part in a prayer ceremony held in Phnom Penh on August 8, 2025 for Cambodian soldiers who died in border clashes with Thailand. Thailand and Cambodia agreed on August 7 to extend a shaky ceasefire deal that followed five days of deadly hostilities along their border last month. (Photo by TANG CHHIN SOTHY / AFP) Members of the Spanish Zenit Aerial Ballet present their performance titled Aria at the 31st Sziget (Island) Festival on Shipyard Island, Budapest, Hungary, late 07 August 2025 (issued 08 August 2025). Picture: EPA/Tamas Vasvari MORE: 24 hours in pictures, 7 August 2025
IOL News
3 days ago
- Politics
- IOL News
Russian Ship Fiasco: Dirco's Clayson Monyela says sailors don't have passports
Deputy Director-General at the Department of International Relations and Co-operation (Dirco), Clayson Monyela took to X to clarify the reason the Russian servicemen onboard the Russian Navy Baltic Fleet training vessel, The Smolny, which is in Cape Town on its Africa-Asia voyage, were denied permission to leave the ship and walk on South African soil — he says they do not have passports. "The reason the sailors are not able to disembark is that none of them have passports. Immigration laws! This is Department of Home Affairs terrain," Monyela wrote on X, reacting to an earlier story published by IOL. "Diplomatic relations between the two countries are cordial and excellent! President Ramaphosa and (Russian President) Putin spoke on the phone yesterday on more pressing geopolitical issues," he continued. IOL had reached out to Dirco spokesperson Chrispin Phiri for comment on the matter on Thursday.
IOL News
3 days ago
- Business
- IOL News
Why SA barred Russian vessel
The Smolny is docked at the Cape Town harbour. Image: Facebook THE South African government's last-minute scramble to secure a deal to avoid Donald Trump's 30% unilateral tariffs is believed to be among the reasons it refused a Russian Navy Baltic Fleet training vessel entry in Cape Town. The Smolny, reportedly carrying cadets on a training mission to hone their maritime, communication, and navigation skills, had intended to make a brief stopover in Cape Town for restocking, replenishment, and resupply earlier this week. About 400 personnel are on board the vessel, comprising 200 naval cadets and foreign military personnel from allied nations. The Russian Ministry of Defence stated that future naval officers will receive practical training during the voyage. The Smolny, on its first African tour, visited Equatorial Guinea (July 20) and Sao Tome and Principe (July 23), offering guided tours to military, police, students, and local Russians. On July 27, it docked in Pointe-Noire, Republic of Congo, where naval cooperation talks were held. After departing on July 30, The Smolny arrived in Cape Town on August 5. Following South Africa, it travelled to Tanzania and Vietnam before returning to Vladivostok in late September. While the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) has remained tight-lipped regarding the specific allegations, a senior government source, speaking on condition of anonymity, attributed the denial to "late negotiations with Donald Trump over the tariffs saga". Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad Loading 'These visits typically signify friendly relations and mutual recognition between nations. However, this 'tariffs saga' with US President Donald Trump introduces a new dynamic. While the details of these late negotiations remain undisclosed, it is plausible that South Africa faced pressure or made a strategic concession to avoid punitive tariffs or to secure favourable trade terms with the United States,' the source said. DIRCO spokesperson Chrispin Phiri did not respond to text messages containing questions regarding why the vessel was denied entry. The uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) said the decision to deny the ship entry was as a direct affront to long-standing bilateral ties with Russia. "Denying access to the port of entry in Cape Town can only strain diplomatic relations between South Africa and Russia," the MK Party's statement read. The party said Russia was a "key strategic partner to South Africa and a fellow member of BRICS". Beyond the immediate diplomatic implications, the MK Party also slammed President Cyril Ramaphosa, demanding his "urgent intervention" in the matter. They accused his "continuous absence from leadership at critical moments" of undermining the South African government, weakening the economy, and now, with the Russian ship incident, threatening to strain South Africa's relations with Russia. Political analyst Dr John Molepo said the timing of The Smolny's arrival, coinciding with the critical tariff negotiations, may have placed the South African government in a precarious position, forcing a decision that, while perhaps uninviting, was deemed necessary for broader economic or strategic considerations. 'The government's apparent silence on the matter, with DIRCO only acknowledging 'allegations', further suggests the sensitivity surrounding the decision. Publicly acknowledging a direct link to US tariff negotiations could be perceived as a submission or a lack of sovereign decision-making, potentially straining relations with other allies.' Molepo said maintaining a degree of uncertainty allows the government to manage the diplomatic fallout and avoid explicitly siding with one global power over another, despite its stated neutral stance on international affairs. Cape Times
IOL News
4 days ago
- Politics
- IOL News
South Africa denies Russian Naval Vessel access amidst tariff tensions
The Smolny is docked at the Cape Town harbour. Image: Facebook The denial of port entry to The Smolny, a Russian Navy Baltic Fleet training vessel, in Cape Town on Tuesday, a year after she visited, has caused considerable diplomatic fallout and drawn strong criticism from the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party. While the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) has remained tight-lipped regarding the specific allegations, a senior government source, speaking on condition of anonymity, attributed the denial to "late negotiations with Donald Trump over the tariffs saga". On Thursday, DIRCO spokesperson Chrispin Phiri did not respond to text messages containing questions regarding why the vessel was denied entry. However, the source asserted that this new development added a complex layer to what was already a contentious issue, suggesting that South Africa's decision may be a calculated move aimed at navigating its intricate relationship with major global powers, rather than a direct snub to Russia. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ The Smolny, reportedly carrying cadets on a training mission to hone their maritime, communication, and navigation skills, had intended to make a brief stopover in Cape Town for restocking, replenishment, and resupply. 'These visits typically signify friendly relations and mutual recognition between nations. 'However, this 'tariffs saga' with US President Donald Trump introduces a new dynamic. While the details of these late negotiations remain undisclosed, it is plausible that South Africa faced pressure or made a strategic concession to avoid punitive tariffs or to secure favourable trade terms with the United States,' the source said. Political analyst Dr John Molepo said the timing of The Smolny's arrival, coinciding with these critical negotiations, may have placed the South African government in a precarious position, forcing a decision that, while perhaps uninviting, was deemed necessary for broader economic or strategic considerations. 'The government's apparent silence on the matter, with DIRCO only acknowledging 'allegations', further suggests the sensitivity surrounding the decision. Publicly acknowledging a direct link to US tariff negotiations could be perceived as a submission or a lack of sovereign decision-making, potentially straining relations with other allies.' Molepo said maintaining a degree of uncertainty allows the government to manage the diplomatic fallout and avoid explicitly siding with one global power over another, despite its stated neutral stance on international affairs. The MKP, however, has wasted no time in condemning the Government of National Unity's (GNU) decision, viewing it as a direct affront to long-standing bilateral ties with Russia. In a strongly worded statement, the MKP emphasised its pro-Russia stance, aligning itself against "Western imperialism and hegemonic influence". The MKP asserted that Russia has been a "loyal, honest partner to South Africa" for over 60 years, providing unwavering support and aid to South African liberation movements during the apartheid era. "Denying access to the port of entry in Cape Town can only strain diplomatic relations between South Africa and Russia," the MK Party's statement read. They explicitly distanced themselves from the GNU's decision, arguing that it "cannot support a government that seeks to undermine long-term bilateral ties and trading relations with the Russian state". The party further highlighted Russia's status as a "key strategic partner to South Africa and a fellow member of BRICS", saying there were deep historical connections between the two nations that date back to the 1960s. Beyond the immediate diplomatic implications, the MK Party also slammed President Cyril Ramaphosa, demanding his "urgent intervention" in the matter. They accused his "continuous absence from leadership at critical moments" of undermining the South African government, weakening the economy, and now, with the Russian ship incident, threatening to strain South Africa's relations with Russia. About 400 personnel are on board the vessel, comprising 200 naval cadets and foreign military personnel from allied nations. The Russian Ministry of Defence stated that future naval officers will receive practical training during the voyage.
IOL News
4 days ago
- Politics
- IOL News
Russian sailors 'denied entry' in Cape Town, MK Party raises diplomatic concerns
The Smolny is docked at the Cape Town harbour. Image: Facebook The uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MK Party) has called out the Government of National Unity (GNU) for denying Russian sailors access after a Russian ship docked at in Cape Town. It is alleged that over 300 sailors are confined and denied access to disembark from a Russian Navy Baltic Fleet training vessel, The Smolny. The ship docked in Cape Town on August 5, to restock, replenish, and resupply. According to the MK Party, the ship is carrying cadets on a training mission to sharpen their skills in maritime, communications, and navigation skills, and has made a short visit to South Africa; an act that indicates the Russian government views South Africa as a mutual ally and a partner in friendly trade relations. MK Party spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela said denying access to the port of entry in Cape Town can only strain diplomatic relations between South Africa and Russia. 'The MK Party distances itself from the so-called GNU's decision to refuse the Russian sailors port of 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,' Ndhlela said. The party said South Africa remains neutral on issues pertaining to international affairs. 'As the official opposition, we extend a firm warning to the so-called GNU not to undermine international relations between Russia and South Africa. The MK Party remains pro-Russian state and we will never tire in defending the right to self-determination and a multi-polar global world order. Our stance and position as MK Party is that of assuming an ally position to the Russian state. Russia has been a loyal, honest partner to South Africa for over 60 years. Russia has never sold out on the support and aid to the South African liberation movement,' Ndhlela said. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Russia is a key strategic partner to South Africa and a member of the BRICS. The party said the two countries share longstanding historical ties dating back to the 1960s, during the apartheid era, when Russia stood as a firm ally and supporter of Umkhonto weSizwe, the armed wing of the former liberation movement. The MK Party called on the GNU to grant the Russian sailors access. 'This is an unnecessary international stand-off which SA cannot afford wage as a battle. We demand that Mr [Cyril] 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. IOL reached out to the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) but received no response by the time of publication. This story will be updated as soon as a response is received. IOL
