Lady R saga: Brigety has a duty to take responsibility for his unfounded allegations

4 September 2023

The GOOD party welcomes the conclusion of the independent investigation into the allegations that South Africa loaded Arms, bound for Russia, when the Lady R vessel docked at Simons Town harbour in December.

We welcome the finding that no weapons were loaded on board the Lady R but rather that SA was receiving a back order of ammunition from 2018.

In May, the US ambassador to South Africa, Reuben Brigety accused South Africa of supplying arms to Russia.

His comments created a diplomatic storm.

After meeting with the department of International Relations, Brigety did not apologise or retract his statement. Instead he tweeted "I was grateful for the opportunity to speak with Foreign Minister Pandor this evening and correct any misimpressions left by my public remarks."

The damage of his comments were extensive.

Not only did South Africa suffer severe reputational damage but our already struggling economy took a massive hit, with our currency feeling the damage for months.

The onus is on Ambassador Brigety to take ownership of his comments and reclarify the basis for the allegations.

It is clear from the panels findings that he was unable to substantiate the allegations.

Good urges the relevant government entities to hold those who perpetuated the misinformation to account.

It is ordinary South Africans who struggle when our already volatile currency underperforms.

Issued by Brett Herron, GOOD Secretary-General & Member of Parliament, 4 September 2023