Unnoticed Arrival: Russian Naval Training Ship Docked in Cape Town Amidst Ukrainian Outrage

The Russian naval training ship Smolny's visit to the Port of Cape Town was an event that barely rippled the waters of public attention. On August 29, as part of a long-range sea voyage, the Smolny's arrival subtly reinforced Russia's naval connections with South Africa, yet it seemed to steer clear of the public eye. This maritime practice for naval cadets also included replenishment of vital supplies and an opportunity for the crew of the Baltic Fleet to immerse in South Africa's cultural heritage.

Despite the low-key tenor of the visit, the occasion was not without its schedule of engagements. The program featured a meeting with the South African Navy's senior command in Simon's Town, punctuated with an open day for Capetonians, followed by a solemn reception on board the vessel. The highlight was the attendance of Rear Admirable M.Nkomonde, marking a gesture of goodwill and bilateral camaraderie.

The vessel's discreetly arranged dock came after visits to Havana, Cuba, and La Guaira, Venezuela, indicating a series of strategic stops. The Mayor of Cape Town, Geordin Hill-Lewis, articulated his oblivion to the naval presence, branding it a moral blight on the country's government due to the contentious geopolitical stance of Putin's Russia.

Simultaneously, the Ukrainian Association of South Africa voiced vehement disapproval. The Association outlined the recent casualties and destruction caused by Russian military action, juxtaposing the visit with heartrending events in Ukraine, including the tragic demise of children. They called for an immediate cessation of military cooperation with Russia.

The pending arrival of the Russian Tupolev Tu-160 bomber to the Africa Aerospace and Defence 2024 exhibition received similar censure, with the Association suggesting that its missiles had been responsible for the loss of Ukrainian lives.

South African National Defence Force (SANDF) spokesperson Siphiwe Dlamini, alongside the Cape Town Mayor, expressed unawareness of the naval training ship's presence, indicating a notable disconnect within official channels.

The Russian naval visit, though momentary and seemingly low-profile, cast long shadows over South Africa's international position concerning the ongoing conflict in Ukraine—a nation grappling with the unwavering aftershocks of war.