South Africa says it will allow a sanctioned Russian oligarch to dock his superyacht in Cape Town.

Named 'The Nord' - the vessel is larger than a football field and is described as one of the world's most extravagant boats, according to Forbes. It is also believed to be the oligarch's biggest asset.

The $521m (£472m) vessel, which belongs to Alexei Mordashov - an ally of Russian leader Vladimir Putin - left Hong Kong earlier this week.

South African opposition leaders had urged the government to seize the 465ft long (141m) yacht.

But a spokesman for President Cyril Ramaphosa said he saw "no reason" to comply with Western sanctions.

"South Africa has no legal obligation to abide by sanctions imposed by the US and EU," Vincent Magwenya told reporters in Pretoria on Tuesday.

"South Africa's obligations with respect to sanctions relate only to those that are specifically adopted by the United Nations," Mr Magwenya added, noting that Mr Mordashov is not under any UN-sponsored sanctions.

Western countries and their allies have imposed sanctions on more than 1,000 Russian individuals and businesses in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Mr Ramaphosa's government has so far avoided directly criticising Russia, abstaining in several UN votes that have expressly condemned the war. Pretoria has also called for a negotiated settlement to end the conflict.

It is unclear whether Mr Mordashov is actually onboard the vessel.

Prior to the war, Mr Mordashov was Russia's wealthiest man. The 57-year-old built a fortune of some $29.1bn (£25.92bn) through his steel and mining company Severstal.

Mr Mordashov has already lost one of his smaller vessels, the 215ft Lady M, to Western sanctions after it was seized by Italian police in March.

This Russia - Ukraine war has revealed the true weakness of the USA and UK when it comes to international policing . Before now all they had to do was keep other nations in line with the threat of sanctions, but Russia has managed to expose how powerless they really are when it comes to enforcing the sanctions.

Good afterall he pays fees for docking

Ramaphosa, a Leader with balls.

South Africa,one of the most corrupt country in Africa.

On a norms, nothing concern África and western/UN sanction on Russia.

South Africa made the right decision.

When we have local conflicts, powerful nations make money by selling arms, making deals with various interests groups and even stealing resources.

When they fight they want us to not make a dime whilst they continue to cut deals with one another.

Na so?

Multipolarity to the world!!!

Bodmum:
ode

Lol. If that's all you have to contribute to both the original post and my comment, then I leave the other users to judge who the true ode is.

Shame to SA.

Advocate500:
South Africa,one of the most corrupt country in Africa.

Because they refused to do YES SIR to USA and EU sanctions.
Yet they have one of the best health system in Africa, transportation, while Nigeria can't even produce electricity.
I will take SA corruption X10 more than Nigeria corruption.

People like you, supported the destruction of Libya because CNN, BBC, AJ and DW, which are mouthpieces of USA and France said Gadaffi was bad, because you watched too much of it.

I love how SA maintain a clear stance for all to see.
Not everyone will be yesman to you.
Imagine you been a yesman to your rich neighbor, what does that makes you…. Valueless.
Ask me how does FFK becomes valueless — by being a yesman.


A poor man that’s hard to manipulate have a stronger voting power than than a rich man that’s a yesman to a wealthy man…. To bargain with the rich man you only need to win the wealthy man to your side….Talk about Otedola and Dangote…… just get the Cement guy with you, you need not worry about the other, it’s buy 1 get one free.


Countries like Lithuania, Croatia,Spain and Austria are very irrelevant in this war, despite them sanctioning Russia and feeling the heat…. That’s the dividend of being a yesman… truly the wealthy friend might drop some crumbs at their door from time to time though.

While country like India, Brazil and SA has a strong hold because they won’t bend to the almighty USA, it’s giving them a big concern and they’ve sent several delegates to discuss with them and they’re still considering other option to win them over….. you can be like Jim Ovia, just rich with class and even Dangote will be glad to meet you.

Is south Africa a member of the EU? NO!

Is South Africa a vassal state to the USA? NO!

Is South Africa a sovereign state? Yes!


Well then, South Africa's National Interest decisions are hers to make.

Good

SA no send na. If na 9ja na, them go dey lick western ass

One day later US warns of terror attacks in SA. Hmmm...

topcatking:
Is south Africa a member of the EU? NO!

Is South Africa a vassal state to the USA? NO!

Is South Africa a sovereign state? Yes!


Well then, South Africa's National Interest decisions are hers to make.

End of debate.

Shikena