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Presidency Plans Down Sanctions Talk, Positive Signals On Logistics & Energy Crises

SOUTH AFRICA
  • Presidential spokesman Vincent Magwenya pushed back against speculation that South Africa could be hit with international sanctions over its Russia stance, calling such talk "purely alarmist" and detrimental to the local economy. He said that the US has never raised the issue of potential sanctions in direct talks with South Africa. The official refused to comment on the potential for Russian President Vladimir Putin to visit South Africa, noting that he was not briefed on the latest development by either President Cyril Ramaphosa or Deputy President Paul Mashatile. In contradiction with Magwenya's comments, News24 reported that a bipartisan group of US lawmakers called on the White House to move this year's African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) summit away from South Africa, due to the country being "in danger of losing AGOA benefits" over its Russia policies.
  • The Presidency insisted that the upcoming BRICS summit will be held in South Africa, despite speculation that it could be moved to China. Local media outlets suggested that a special inter-ministerial committee drafted three legally viable options for approaching the summit, all of which advised against in--person attendance by the Russian leader.
  • There have been some positive signs on South Africa's logistical and energy crises. BusinessDay reported that Transnet is close to signing maintenance contracts with several companies, which would allow it to fix its coal locomotives. Meanwhile, Mozambique agreed to supply MW1,000 of energy to South Africa, which could reduce load-shedding by one stage.
  • South Africa's mining production data will be published at 10:30BST/11:30SAST.

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