In South Africa, Russia’s ‘anti-colonial’ narrative sways public opinion

The Unlikely Spy: Sue Dobson’s Secret Mission

In 1986, Sue Dobson, a young white woman from Pretoria, found herself at the center of a dangerous espionage mission. Recruited by the African National Congress (ANC), she was tasked with infiltrating the South African apartheid regime from within. Her journey began with a trip to Moscow, where she underwent intensive training in surveillance techniques, secret writing, photography, and other espionage strategies. Despite her busy schedule, Dobson managed to experience a slice of Soviet life during a brief visit to Leningrad, now St. Petersburg, marveling at its snow-covered beauty during the winter of 1986.

Upon returning to South Africa in 1987, Dobson secured a position as a reporter in the Bureau of Information, the apartheid regime’s propaganda wing. Her role granted her access to high-ranking officials and sensitive information, which she likely used to further the ANC’s cause. However, her cover was blown in 1989 when authorities discovered her family’s ties to the ANC. Faced with capture, Dobson made a daring nighttime escape, fleeing to Botswana with the help of Soviet diplomats, who then arranged her safe passage to the UK. Her memoir, Burned: The Spy South Africa Never Caught, recounts her extraordinary journey.

Russia’s Historical Ties to Africa

While Sue Dobson’s story highlights individual bravery, it also intersects with a broader historical narrative: Russia’s involvement in Africa. Experts note that Moscow’s pushback against Western influence in Africa dates back to the 19th century. During the Scramble for Africa, as European powers colonized and exploited the continent, Russia positioned itself as an ally to some African nations. A notable example is the 1895-96 Italo-Ethiopian War, where Russia supported Emperor Menelik II by providing weapons, though historian Oleksandr Polianichev argues that the extent of Russia’s involvement was exaggerated.

Soviet Union’s Influence in Africa During the Cold War

During the Cold War, the Soviet Union deepened its ties with Africa, supporting anti-colonial movements and newly independent states. The USSR provided military and economic aid to countries like Angola, Mozambique, and the Congo, often countering Western-backed factions. Egypt, under Gamal Abdel Nasser, also benefited from Soviet arms deals and infrastructure projects. The Soviet Union’s motives were twofold: to promote socialism as a superior ideology and to secure trade agreements and resources. Patrice Lumumba University in Moscow, named after the Congolese leader, attracted African students with hundreds of scholarships annually, offering education and opportunities despite reports of racism and occasional tragedies, such as the death of Ghanaian student Edmund Assare-Addo in 1963.

The Legacy of Soviet Support for the ANC

The Soviet Union’s support for the ANC and its armed wing, uMkhonto weSizwe (MK), was pivotal in the fight against apartheid. Operatives like Sue Dobson were trained and armed by the Soviets, contributing to the ANC’s eventual rise to power. Today, as the ruling party of South Africa, the ANC maintains a neutral stance on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, reflecting lingering sympathies rooted in historical ties. Many senior ANC members trained or studied in the USSR, viewing Russia as the successor state to their former ally.

Russia’s Modern-Day Influence in Africa

In recent years, Russia has reasserted its influence in Africa, leveraging its historical anti-colonial narrative to garner support. Moscow has forgiven debts, provided security assistance to countries like Mali and the Central African Republic, and actively opposed Western influence. This strategic outreach has resonated with some African nations and grassroots movements, as seen in pro-Russian rallies in South Africa. However, historian Polianichev cautions that Russia’s "anti-colonial" narrative is often self-serving, aimed at countering Western powers rather than representing a genuine commitment to anti-imperialism. As global politics evolve, the longevity of Russia’s influence in Africa remains uncertain.