Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s historic South Africa visit on Thursday marked a significant diplomatic milestone aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and advancing peace talks related to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. The visit, however, was overshadowed by vocal opposition from the South African Communist Party (SACP) and allied groups, who staged protests in Pretoria and Soweto.
Zelensky’s arrival was welcomed by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa at the Union Buildings in Pretoria. The visit, the first by a Ukrainian head of state to South Africa, was set to include meetings with political leaders, civil society, and student representatives. According to the South African Presidency, the Zelensky South Africa visit was intended to explore cooperation in trade, agriculture, education, and digital governance, while also seeking South Africa’s support in international peace initiatives and the return of Ukrainian children abducted by Russia.
“The visit provides South Africa and Ukraine with an opportunity to discuss bilateral relations and expand cooperation in various sectors,” stated Ramaphosa’s office. Zelensky emphasized the need for a “just peace” and expressed hope that South Africa would play a constructive role in multilateral peace efforts.
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Despite the diplomatic intent, the visit drew sharp criticism from the SACP and other leftist organizations. In a joint statement, the SACP, Young Communist League, NEHAWU, and others condemned Zelensky’s government as a “proxy for imperialist NATO” and accused it of undermining democratic values by banning opposition parties and glorifying controversial historical figures.
“The visit is an insult to South Africa’s proud anti-apartheid and anti-fascist history,” said Muhammed Desai, spokesperson for the protest coalition. Demonstrations were held at the Ukrainian Embassy in Pretoria and the Freedom Charter Monument in Soweto, underscoring widespread disapproval among some sectors of South African civil society.
The Zelensky South Africa visit was cut short following a large-scale Russian missile strike on Kyiv, which killed at least nine and injured dozens. Zelensky departed immediately after his meeting with Ramaphosa, delegating remaining engagements to Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha.
While the visit was brief, it signaled a potential shift in South Africa’s diplomatic posture. Pretoria, traditionally non-aligned and maintaining strong ties with Russia, recently supported a UN resolution condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Analysts view the Zelensky South Africa visit as part of a broader effort by Kyiv to build alliances across the Global South.
As geopolitical tensions persist, the Zelensky South Africa visit may prove to be a pivotal moment in reshaping Ukraine-Africa relations and testing South Africa’s balancing act between global powers.
Image: EPA
