The Presidency has noted with concern remarks attributed to the United States Ambassador to South Africa, Reuben E Brigety, alleging the supply of weapons by South Africa to Russia.

The presidency said that the ambassador's remarks undermine the spirit of cooperation and partnership that characterised the recent engagements between US government officials and a SouthAfrican official delegation led by National Security Special Advisor to the President, Dr Sydney Mufumadi.

On Wednesday United States Ambassador to South Africa, Reuben E Brigety made allegations that South Africa had supplied weapons to Russia, which they used in their attack of Ukraine

Responding to the allegations, the presidency said that it is public knowledge that a Russian vessel known as Lady R docked in South Africa.

"The allegations have since been made about the purpose of the voyage. While no evidence has been provided to date to support these allegations, the government has undertaken to institute an independent inquiry to be led by a retired judge," a statement issued by the presidency reads.

In the recent engagements between the South African delegation and US officials, the Lady R matter was discussed and there was an agreement that an investigation will be allowed to run its course and that the US intelligence services will provide whatever evidence that is in their possession.

"It is therefore disappointing that the US Ambassador has adopted a counter-productive public posture that undermines the understanding reached on the matter and the very positive and constructive engagements between the two delegations," the statement further reads.

Action SA leader Herman Mashaba said that they will be writing to the US ambassador to request that they share any information regarding the allegations that the South African government supplied weapons to Russia amid its ongoing war against Ukraine.

"Should the allegation prove to be true, we must hold Ramaphosa's government to account. Actively supporting Russia's illegal war against Ukraine will harm South Africa's reputation with our international partners. At a time where our economy is already struggling, the reality is that we cannot afford to alienate major trade partners by becoming complicit in Putin's war," he said.

Opposition parties leader Economic Freedom Fighters leader Julius Malema has downplayed the accusations saying South Africa has no capacity to provide weapons to Russia.