Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is set to make an official visit to South Africa this Thursday, at a time when Western pressures and conflicting African positions on the war in Ukraine are intensifying.
While the United States is ramping up pressure on Kyiv to make concessions in negotiations with Moscow, Zelensky finds himself at the center of a domestic divide in South Africa, with the government and opposition parties holding differing views on the visit.
The Symbolism and Timing of the Visit
The visit comes at a crucial time, with Western military aid to Ukraine faltering and support slowing down. Zelensky aims to strengthen ties with the Global South, particularly South Africa, a prominent member of the BRICS group, which has long sought to position itself as a mediator in the Ukraine crisis.
The office of President Cyril Ramaphosa in Pretoria announced that he will meet with Zelensky in an official summit to discuss security, peace, and enhancing bilateral cooperation across various sectors.
Putin and Ramaphosa’s Talks
Before the visit, a phone call took place between President Ramaphosa and Russian President Vladimir Putin, discussing the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Putin emphasized the need to address the “root causes of the conflict” while considering Russia’s security interests, referring to Moscow’s demands for NATO expansion guarantees and disarmament in Kyiv.
Protests and Allegations
The upcoming visit has sparked internal controversy in South Africa, with opposition parties, notably “Umkhonto we Sizwe,” planning protests against Zelensky’s visit. The opposition has labeled him a “puppet president” of the West, and a spokesperson for the party stated, “We reject having our country serve as a platform for promoting a one-sided narrative on the Ukraine war. The South must remain independent from global polarization.”
Mediation Amid Division
This visit presents a significant diplomatic test for the South African government. While Pretoria seeks to maintain its image as a neutral mediator between the conflicting parties, the internal divisions over the visit highlight the challenges the country faces amid rising geopolitical tensions. Despite sharp criticism, some view the visit as an opportunity for Zelensky to broaden Ukraine’s alliances and step beyond traditional Western circles, signaling that Ukraine is seeking support from the Global South, free from European and U.S. influence.
