I do see this as choosing sides and the way Russia is playing they want to go back to the Cold war times taking back their old eastern block. This is only going to escalate and what side you choose will have serious financial ramifications. South Africa have chosen the communists and that is up to them as they need to deal with the consequences that will follow.
Back in December 2010 South Africa became a member of BRICS which is made up of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. I do see this as a dangerous political game choosing sides as it is literally BRICS against the West. I know whose side I am on and it ain't with the BRICS. The ANC chose this for South Africa as Russia helped them in their fight against Apartheid by training their troops which we saw as terrorists. This is why they are friendly with the likes of Cuba and China. We even have roads named after Fidel Castro for heavens sakes.
When I look at Africa I don't see a continent of riches, but more a charity basket case as instead of working the land themselves mining and farming the wealth they would rather hand it over and make a quick buck for themselves. Corruption and incompetence is widespread and it is not surprising for countries like South Africa to side with the Russians. They have for too long been able to milk both sides as this is what they are good at and finally the hope is this will stop.
This week the US denied South Africa nuclear fuel for their nuclear plant due to an expired agreement. This deal expired on the 4th December last year and if there had been better relations then this would not be an issue. Again this highlights the incompetence of those in charge and is no wonder we have an energy crisis threatening to shut down the country. Today we lost another 8 hours and have even bought a 2 ring gas burner as this is only going to deteriorate cossidering this is summer and not winter.
Later this month the Russian navy, Chinese Navy and the SA Defence Force are doing naval drills off the coast of South Africa. I cannot call what South Africa has a navy as that would be insulting to any Navy around the world. Still they are participating in drills with the enemy and are asking for help from the US as though this is business as usual. I honestly see this as a cheek really and know what I would tell them to do.
When the countries who signed up and joined BRICS have done is choose sides and there is no backing out or thinking you have friends all over the world as those days changed the minute you agreed to this deal. South Africa is not in a strong position when you look at what props up the economy. Take away the West businesses like the automotive plants of Volkswagen ,Mercedes ,BMW, Hyundai, Toyota, Nissan and General Motors then what do you have left. That would see over half a million job losses plus a loss in 13% of export revenue. Unfortunately South Africa like many other countries in Africa relies heavily on imported goods along with food. Food should be exported not imported with the fertile land, climate we have here and highlights another weakness.
I would love to see the West turn their backs on those that chose sides as finally those countries would not be providing billions of dollars in hand outs supplying foreign aid and could fix their own needs first. Africa for too long has been a taker when it should be a provider with what they have underneath their feet.
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