SA remains BRICS summit host - Ntshavheni

This will remain the case until the inter-ministerial committee complete its work.

The committee, which is being chaired by Deputy President Paul Mashatile, met on Monday to deliberate on the possible attendance of Russian President Vladimir Putin. 

Ntshavheni confirmed during a media briefing on Thursday that the committee continues with its discussions.

On Tuesday, President Cyril Ramaphosa said he will make an announcement when the committee completes its work.

South Africa is set to host the leaders of Brazil, Russia, India and China at the 15th BRICS Summit from 22 to 24 August.

Putin is amongst the BRICS leaders expected to attend the summit due to be held in Johannesburg.

Ramaphosa has been under immense pressure to decide on Putin's attendance after the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued a warrant for Putin’s arrest.

He has been accused of human rights violations in the war in Ukraine.

South Africa, as a signatory to the Rome Statute and a member of the ICC, would have to oblige and arrest Putin should he arrive in the country.

Ntshavheni said there has been no change of plan and South Africa remains the host of the BRICS summit.

"If there are any changes from the work of the inter-ministerial committee what they recommend to the cabinet, and a decision is taken, there will be an announcement to that effect.

"For now, the BRICS summit is taking place in South Africa and there is no decision contrary to that, any changes from the work of the inter-ministerial committee will then be communicated," said Ntshavheni.

China is reportedly on standby as a possible alternative host but Ntshavheni says the decision will only be made after the IMC has finalised its work.

"When the time comes of a decision of how we are going to proceed on that matter, the necessary announcement will be made and we need to allow the IMC to work and to report to cabinet and allow cabinet space to take the decision.

"We are considering all options, what we have indicated is that we work in pursuit of this country's national interest and the upholding of the rule of law in this country," she adds.

Asked if South Africa is open to arresting Putin, Ntshavheni said SA doesn't want to declare war with Russia.

"The deputy chairperson of the security council of Russia has indicated that anyone who arrests President Putin will be tantamount to a declaration of war with Russia.

"I don't think this country wants us to declare war with Russia, so cabinet and the inter-ministerial committee continue to work within those permutations to say what are the options we have given our legal obligations, given the applications of our law and what can be done when the summit continues and President Putin needs to be here," added Ntshavheni.

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