Def Min Denies Arms Sales To Russia, ANC Says ​Lady R Cargo Manifest Is Classified​

South African Defence Minister Thandi Modise reiterated that nothing was loaded to Russian cargo ship Lady R when it docked at a local naval base in December as opposition lawmakers demanded an explanation during a parliamentary debate on her department's budget. There has been speculation that the ship may have left the port loaded with South African weapons, following U.S. ambassador's allegations to that effect.

• Opposition lawmakers called on the authorities to come clean and declassify Lady R's cargo manifest if they have nothing to hide. However, ANC lawmakers insisted that "some operations of the defence force are classified" (Thabo Mmutle) and things should remain that way.
• The Defence Minister proceeded to emphasise the importance of the long-standing relationship between South African and Russian militaries, which "predates me coming into this [portfolio]" as well as the arrival of the vessel.