Can the BRICS summit with Putin be held in the rural Eastern Cape?

The recent arrival of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) presidential entourage, in the Eastern Cape, inspired many people… writes Godfrey Sigwela.

Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane welcomed his valuable guests at Bulembu Airport without any problems.

It appears that he had a solid strategic plan.

He did not violate any of the Home Affairs department regulations… unlike the Gupta’s Waterkloof Military base landing which raised many questions.

Citing the smart move from Premier Mabuyane, locals have started to wonder about the arrival of President Vladimir Putin in South Africa later this year, in August.

Some have started offering suggestions on how best South Africa can accommodate the Russian President without anyone getting into trouble.

One concerned citizen, with a fear that war might break out after the arrival of President Putin in South Africa, said:

“It would be better if the homeland of Ciskei was still in recognition.

« The BRICS summit would be hosted there in Ciskei. President Putin would land safe at the same Bulembu Airport and be hosted there by the Ciskei government. No arrest warrant would be allowed by the Ciskei government.”

This citizen was referring to the International Criminal Court (ICC) which wants South Africa to arrest President Putin. The Russian President is expected to attend the BRICS summit in South Africa in August.

The ICC want to arrest Putin for starting the war in Ukraine.

The popular airport of Bulembu, which hosted the distinguished guests from the Middle-East, is in a rural location of the province. It is a few kilometres from eQonce and not too far from Bhisho, the former headquarters of the Ciskei.

Bulembu Airport was one of the favoured landmarks of the late Ciskei autocratic leader Lennox Sebe.

Ciskei gained its independence from the Republic of South Africa in 1981. That independence allowed the Ciskei to practise its own tough laws and jurisdictions.

Another citizen remembered:

“Ciskei laws were solid, though they were autocratic. That homeland had its own identity document known as the book of life. It was powder-blue in colour. Wherever one goes, the book of life should be present.

« There were no criminals loitering at night, sjamboks were used by the security forces to instil discipline.”

By Godfrey Sigwela