The Pan Afrikanist Watchman

• Russian President Vladimir Putin’s meeting with Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa Paul Mashatile

South Africa’s Deputy President Paul Mashatile was pleasantly surprised to learn that a Russian university has begun to offer the isiZulu language, and that St Petersburg University will also start offering lessons in isiXhosa.

Mashatile was speaking in a meeting with Russian President, Vladimir Putin, on the sidelines of the St Petersburg International Economic Forum.

In his remarks, President of Russia Vladimir Putin extended a warm welcome to the South African delegation in St Petersburg, Russia.

He said that the relations between Russia and South Africa are developing successfully on the basis of a comprehensive strategic partnership, equality, and mutual respect.

Putin noted that more than 40 Russian higher educational institutions have established partnerships and signed agreements with relevant South African organisations.

He said currently, approximately 570 students from South Africa are studying at Russian universities.

And since Mashatile previously served as Minister of Culture and consistently prioritised cooperation in culture and sport, President Putin used the opportunity to express his anticipation for the arrival of a South African delegation in Moscow this September for the international Intervision music competition.

Putin said that Russia and South Africa share common approaches to addressing urgent issues on the global agenda and coordinate their efforts on international platforms.

Overall, strengthening ties with African nations remains one of our key priorities, he said.

He noted that a substantial package of joint documents was adopted, including a policy declaration and an action plan through to 2026 following the second Russia-Africa Summit that was held in St Petersburg in 2023.

Putin said that Russia, South Africa, and other African partners are working collaboratively to implement these plans in practice.

Putin said that he is in regular contact with President Cyril Ramaphosa and held detailed discussions with him last year in Kazan during the BRICS Summit, outlining steps for further cooperation.

Mashatile participated in the Russia-South Africa business dialogue during the St Petersburg Economic Forum and held a meeting in Moscow with Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Mikhail Mishustin, as well as metwith the Speakers of both Houses of the Russian Parliament.

On the economic side, Putin noted that bilateral trade saw an increase of approximately 2 percent in 2024. “Naturally, we will continue to expand and diversify our mutual trade and investment”, he promised, adding that the St Petersburg International Economic Forum serves as an excellent platform for expanding contacts and working with partners from both Russia and other countries.

For his part, Paul Mashatile whose delegation arrived in Russia on June 17, congratulated President Putin on the successful hosting of Victory Day, which he described as a “significant event in the world history.”

Mashatile said that South Africa will never forget the role that the USSR played in supporting the anti-apartheid movement, which fought for the liberation of all South Africans from the shackles of apartheid.

“I have the honour of visiting a memorial to South African heroes of a struggle for freedom and democracy – Moses Kotane and JB Marks – who spent 40 years in Russia. All freedom-loving people of South Africa will never forget your solidarity and support”.

On trade, he said that President Ramaphosa had asked him to work tirelessly towards the translation of the strong foundation of “our strategic relations into higher trade and economic ties for the mutual benefit of our people”.

He said that South Africa’s participation in the St Petersburg International Economic Forum 2025 reflects an effort to deepen their trade and economic relations with the Russian Federation.

“South Africa continues to call on the support of Russia’s influence within the Eurasian Economic Union to reconsider South Africa from an undeveloped to a developing country.

This had a significant impact on South African products and trade to the Eurasian market. I’ve also been informed that Russia continues to train our students, police, fire, and emergency services”.

Mashatile expressed his government’s gratitude for the 80 scholarship programmes extended to South Africans to study in Russia.