South Africa's military has announced it will next month hold joint military drills with Russia and China off its coast.

The drills will run for 10 days from 17 February to 27 February in the port city of Durban and Richards Bay.

The aim is to share operational skills and knowledge, the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) said.

South Africa was among the African countries that abstained from taking sides in Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

The country assumed the chairmanship of the Brics group of nations - which brings together Brazil, Russia, India and China - last month.

This will be the second time such a military drill is taking place. The first was held in November 2019 in Cape Town.

"This year's exercise will see over 350 SANDF personnel from various arms of services and divisions participating," said SANDF.

The SA National Defence Force || Media Statement || Thursday, 19 January 2023 || SA to host the People’s Liberation Army Navy from China and Russian Federal Navy during the Multilateral Maritime Exercises over period 17 to 27 February 2023.#SANDF#DCCMediaLiaison#SANavy pic.twitter.com/QiDU2rBalF

— SA National Defence Force (@SANDF_ZA) January 19, 2023