South Africans support Russia due to historical ties

Many people in South Africa feel sympathy for Russia during its war in Ukraine. This sentiment has deep historical roots going back to the Cold War. In the 1980s, Sue Dobson, a white woman from Pretoria, became a spy for the African National Congress (ANC) against apartheid. She trained in Moscow and later worked for the apartheid regime, which led to her escape to the UK after being discovered. Experts note that not all African nations condemned Russia when the war began in 2022. Some African governments have historical ties to Russia from past anti-colonial struggles. For example, during the 19th century, Russia supported Ethiopia during its conflict with Italy, presenting itself as a defender against colonialism. However, some historians argue this support was overstated. During the Cold War, the Soviet Union aided nations like Angola and Mozambique against Western-backed factions. This support was driven by both ideological motives and the desire for trade with these new countries. The USSR also offered educational opportunities to African students at Patrice Lumumba University in Moscow, although there were reports of racism. The ANC, which currently leads South Africa, has not condemned Russia, partly due to the historical role the Soviet Union played in their rise to power. Many ANC leaders trained in the USSR, and this legacy still influences opinions today. Recently, grassroots support for Russia has grown. In a rally in Durban against Russia's invasion, counterprotesters supported Russia with flags and music. Additionally, Russia has helped African nations with debt relief and security issues in places like Mali, despite controversies surrounding Russian mercenaries. The appeal of Russia’s narrative of anti-colonialism is strong for some African leaders. They find it aligns with their political views and offers a counter to Western influence. However, the historical accuracy of Russia's past as an anti-imperialist force is often questioned.