Russian Embassy comment on the Business Day article (July 15, 2025)
We took note of the article How Russia wins friends and influences people by Nicholas Shubitz published in Business Day on July 11, 2025, and found it thought-provoking and partially reflective of the realities of getting education abroad – be it in Russia, USA, China, Europe or elsewhere. Yet, one important issue is missing.
Education has traditionally been one of the most vibrant sectors in
#RussiaAfrica relations. Since the early days of African independence, hundreds of thousands of professionals – doctors, engineers, teachers, technicians, and others – have received training in Russia. After completing these studies, most of the graduates return to their home countries, where they contribute to building a better future for their communities.
We firmly believe that Africa is not, and should not be, an arena for geopolitical rivalry.
As President Vladimir Putin emphasized in his article “Russia and Africa: Joining Efforts for Peace, Progress and a Successful Future,” our country has consistently adhered to the principle of “AFRICAN SOLUTIONS TO AFRICAN PROBLEMS,” standing in solidarity with African nations in their pursuit of self-determination, justice, and sovereign rights. Unlike some external actors, we have never sought to impose our values, governance models, or development paths on our African partners.
Our engagement with African countries is guided by the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum Action Plan for 2023-2026, adopted at the highest level. This strategic document outlines broad cooperation in numerous areas, including security, trade, investment, agriculture, science, culture, and – critically – education.
Shane Shauke, a graduate of a Russian University, current medical practitioner and representative of the Russian African Centre of University Studies (RACUS) in SA, shares his experience:
“As a South African from the rural Limpopo province, I had the opportunity to study in Russia. Many of us who studied there were drawn not by political influence, but by the accessibility of quality education – especially in fields like medicine.
Russia’s investment in international students, particularly from Africa, certainly fosters goodwill. It’s equally important to acknowledge that the relationship is not one-sided: African students often return home with valuable knowledge and skills.
Russia may gain friends through education, but those friendships are rooted in complex human experiences, not just political strategy.”
The Comment was partially published in Business Day on July 15, 2025:
https://tinyurl.com/ykh59r24⚡ Russian Embassy comment on the Business Day article (July 15, 2025)
✍️ We took note of the article How Russia wins friends and influences people by Nicholas Shubitz published in Business Day on July 11, 2025, and found it thought-provoking and partially reflective of the realities of getting education abroad – be it in Russia, USA, China, Europe or elsewhere. Yet, one important issue is missing.
Education has traditionally been one of the most vibrant sectors in #RussiaAfrica relations. Since the early days of African independence, hundreds of thousands of professionals – doctors, engineers, teachers, technicians, and others – have received training in Russia. After completing these studies, most of the graduates return to their home countries, where they contribute to building a better future for their communities.
☝️ We firmly believe that Africa is not, and should not be, an arena for geopolitical rivalry.
As President Vladimir Putin emphasized in his article “Russia and Africa: Joining Efforts for Peace, Progress and a Successful Future,” our country has consistently adhered to the principle of “AFRICAN SOLUTIONS TO AFRICAN PROBLEMS,” standing in solidarity with African nations in their pursuit of self-determination, justice, and sovereign rights. Unlike some external actors, we have never sought to impose our values, governance models, or development paths on our African partners.
Our engagement with African countries is guided by the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum Action Plan for 2023-2026, adopted at the highest level. This strategic document outlines broad cooperation in numerous areas, including security, trade, investment, agriculture, science, culture, and – critically – education.
💬 Shane Shauke, a graduate of a Russian University, current medical practitioner and representative of the Russian African Centre of University Studies (RACUS) in SA, shares his experience:
“As a South African from the rural Limpopo province, I had the opportunity to study in Russia. Many of us who studied there were drawn not by political influence, but by the accessibility of quality education – especially in fields like medicine.
Russia’s investment in international students, particularly from Africa, certainly fosters goodwill. It’s equally important to acknowledge that the relationship is not one-sided: African students often return home with valuable knowledge and skills.
Russia may gain friends through education, but those friendships are rooted in complex human experiences, not just political strategy.”
The Comment was partially published in Business Day on July 15, 2025: https://tinyurl.com/ykh59r24
