AFRIQUE DU SUD PERSPECTIVE

South African media approach Russian stagnation through the BRICS lens and anti-Western solidarity characterizing Pretoria's position. The Daily Maverick publishes a nuanced analysis, acknowledging Russia's economy suffers but arguing Western sanctions disproportionately affect Global South countries—energy and food market disruptions caused by the conflict and sanctions hit Africa harder than Russia.

The Mail & Guardian notes South Africa maintains trade relations with Russia through BRICS, and the New Development Bank (headquartered in Shanghai) offers an alternative to the Western-dominated financial system. News24 covers the topic more briefly, noting South Africa's non-alignment position—similar to India's—allows it to maintain relations with all parties.

The parallel with South Africa's own sanctions experience under apartheid is an omnipresent subtext: Pretoria knows the effects of sanctions and is reluctant to support them, even against an aggressor. The anti-apartheid heritage creates automatic solidarity with countries 'punished' by the West, regardless of reasons.