Modise’s response to US is petulant and doesn’t grasp the seriousness of the tectonic shifts in geopolitics

[View in browser]( [Mail & Guardian]( M&G Mornings | Wed 17 May   [ron_derby] In the aftermath of the 2008/09 global recession, the world changed. The near economic collapse that was especially acute in the Western financial capitals as a US subprime mortgage crisis led many to ask questions about the future of capitalism. Even the capitalist bible in the Economist magazine has posed many questions about the global economy in the wake of its near collapse just 15 years ago. Many of the world’s leading nations began focussing on the shape of their domestic economies and their politics. It has given rise to nationalism in Europe and an anti-immigration sentiment that has spread like a wildfire. Its sentiment that has drawn bridges in Britain as the country has exited the European Union and across the Atlantic, fueled Donald Trump’s race driven pledge to “Make America Great Again”. And then Russia invaded Ukraine last year, after initially making a more acceptable incursion nine years ago when it took over Crimea. The navel gazing of old is no more. There’s a storm and South Africa is now at its centre – for the next coming weeks at least. How we navigate this period is important to our short, medium and long-term future. Petulant is the only manner in which I can describe Defence Minister Thandi Modise’s response to allegations we are supplying ammunition to Russia in a war that we are non-aligned. “I’m tired because every time we have to be told about the US, Everybody now sees the spook called South Africa. I can tell you that categorically, we did not send fokol, not even a piece of Chappies [bubblegum] to Russia. We should be left alone.” Is that how a Minister should respond to allegations that we are fuelling Europe’s first major war since the end of World War II. We are slap bang in the middle of a battle between two of the traditional global superpowers in the US and Russia and not appreciating the precarious position we are in. This is not an ANC NEC debate over a weekend at the St George Hotel in Centurion. We sound woefully unprepared for the storm ahead. Ron Derby | Editor-in-Chief [@Ronderby]( [Thandi Modise]( Premium [South African Defence Minister, Modise: ‘We did not send fokol to Russia, not even a piece of Chappies’]( The minister of defence said she was tired of anti-Russian phobia in the country This article is only available to subscribers. [View subscription options]( If you are already a subscriber, login here. [// Read more]( [Louis Tshakoane]( Premium [‘Former Chiefs spin doctor was sheltered by Shepherd Bushiri’]( Louis Tshakoane and his son, held over fraud after four years as fugitives, were allegedly harboured by the self-proclaimed prophet in Malawi and South Africa This article is only available to subscribers. [View subscription options]( If you are already a subscriber, login here. [// Read more]( [LadyR]( [Russia denies weapons were loaded onto the Lady R]( The Russian embassy says the claims are part of a campaign to move South Africa from its non-aligned position on the war in Ukraine [// Read more]( Recommended Reads [Thabo Bester’s lawyer wants court to ascertain the identity of his client]( The convicted rapist and murderer made a virtual appearance in court before the matter was postponed to 20 June [// Read more]( [South Africa and the International Criminal Court’s relationship is complicated]( Regarding Russia and Ukraine, the ICC has never received state referrals from 39 state parties to look into a situation in another country [// Read more]( [Joburg Ballet presents ‘Romeo and Juliet’]( After a seven-year absence the company is staging the highly acclaimed ballet with principal dancer Shannon Glover as lead [// Read more]( [A new light on the future of Eskom’s assets]( A business coalition in South Africa’s energy heartland proposes a private takeover of Eskom’s assets to keep the lights on. But not everyone agrees with privatising energy production [// Read more]( [ANC to intervene in Gauteng, KZN to boost 2024 poll strength]( The governing party will deploy more of its top leaders to assist in both provinces [// Read more]( Pic of the day [inter milan] Lautaro Martinez celebrates as Inter Milan beat rivals AC Milan to reach their first Uefa Champions League final since 2010. (Photo by Piero Cruciatti/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images) [Share]( [Share]( [Tweet]( [Tweet]( [Forward]( [Forward]( This email was sent to {EMAIL} [why did I get this?]( [unsubscribe from this list]( [update subscription preferences]( Mail & Guardian Media LTD · 25 Owl St · Braamfontein · Johannesburg, Gauteng 2001 · South Africa