US blamed for expo row

Analysts warn exclusion could have dire consequences for SA down the line.

- Marizka Coetzer

The South African National (SANDF) blamed Defence Force the yesterday United States for withdrawing from the Africa Aerospace and Defence Expo (AAD) at Air Force Base Waterkloof in Pretoria this weekend, but political analysts warned it could have far-reaching consequences for South Africa down the line.

The SANDF, however, confirmed Russia had met all the requirements to participate.

SANDF's admission comes after the DA accused the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans Angie Motshekga of embarrassing the country following the US' withdrawal after the department of defence's allegedly refused to confirm the application of the 1999 Status of Forces Agreement (Sofa) during the visit.

DA spokesperson for international relations and cooperation Emma Powell said the withdrawal was a direct result of the department's refusal to confirm the application of the Sofa during the visit.