South Africa did not stand by quietly as tens of thousands of Palestinian civilians were murdered in Gaza; and evidently they don’t mean to on the danger of global thermonuclear war, either. The latest development is a hard-hitting intervention by the new, rapidly growing political party of former President Jacob Zuma, uMkhonto weSizwe (MK), “Spear of the Nation.”
On Sept. 29, MK issued their “Stance on NATO’s Provocation in the Russia-Ukraine Conflict.”
After noting that changes in Russia’s nuclear doctrine, announced by President Vladimir Putin Sept. 25, mark a further escalation in the NATO-Russia conflict, it states:
“Putin’s revised nuclear doctrine signals that any conventional attack on Russia, when backed by nuclear-armed states like the U.S. and NATO, could trigger a nuclear response. This doctrine change directly challenges the West’s continued support for Ukraine, with advanced weaponry now capable of striking deep into Russian territory. President Putin has made it clear that such actions are viewed as an existential threat to Russia’s sovereignty, justifying potential nuclear retaliation. This shift intensifies the risk of nuclear war, which could have devastating global consequences.
“As Pan-Africanists and as a non-aligned progressive party and peace advocates, the MK Party, under the leadership of President Jacob Zuma, condemns these dangerous provocations by NATO and the West. President Zuma has consistently opposed the militarisation of global conflicts, stating, ‘Africa must reject war and choose diplomacy. The risk of nuclear conflict threatens all humanity, and it is driven by the reckless actions of the West in fueling this war.’”
The MK recommends:
1. Advocate for Peace: The MK Party will continue to push for an immediate ceasefire and peace negotiations led by neutral actors. Africa must not take sides in this global conflict but rather push for diplomatic solutions.
2. Oppose NATO’s Involvement: As a BRICS member, South Africa must firmly oppose NATO’s interference in Ukraine, which has only escalated the war. This reckless behavior increases the risk of a broader global conflict, which could pull Africa into a geopolitical struggle that does not serve our interests.
The release draws upon the language of a similar call by Dr. Kwame Amuah, Nelson Mandela’s son-in-law on Sept. 27.
