In a move that could reshape international perceptions of South Africa’s foreign policy, President Cyril Ramaphosa has confirmed that his country will host Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for a state visit. The announcement, made via Sahara Reporters on its official X handle, comes at a time of escalating geopolitical tensions and shifting global alliances. While no official date has been set, the visit is expected to spark fresh diplomatic discourse on the war in Ukraine and South Africa’s role as a mediator.
Zelensky’s trip follows Ukraine’s exclusion from recent U.S.-Russia peace talks, a development that has fueled concerns about negotiations proceeding without Kyiv’s direct involvement. In a recent phone conversation, Ramaphosa and Zelensky underscored the need for an inclusive peace process, with the Ukrainian leader reiterating his firm stance: “Nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine.”
South Africa has a history of attempting to broker peace in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. In 2023, Ramaphosa spearheaded an African-led peace delegation, comprising leaders from Egypt, Senegal, Zambia, and Uganda, who met separately with both Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin. However, those efforts yielded little tangible progress.
Pretoria’s invitation to Zelensky is widely seen as an attempt to balance its diplomatic position, especially given its longstanding ties with Russia. South Africa, a key member of the BRICS economic bloc alongside Brazil, India, China, and Russia, has often been accused of leaning toward Moscow. This perception was reinforced in 2023 when allegations surfaced that South Africa had supplied arms to Russia—claims that the government denied.
Despite these historical ties, Ramaphosa has been careful not to alienate Western allies. His invitation to Zelensky could be a signal that South Africa is willing to engage with both sides of the conflict. It also comes at a time when Pretoria’s relationship with the United States has grown increasingly tense. The Trump administration previously cut aid to South Africa over its controversial land expropriation law, with Ramaphosa firing back that his country “will not be bullied.”
Zelensky’s upcoming visit to South Africa also reflects his evolving relationship with the U.S. Despite Washington’s historical support for Ukraine, former U.S. President Donald Trump has recently taken a more critical stance, labeling Zelensky a “dictator” and accusing him of mishandling the war. This rhetoric has added to Ukraine’s diplomatic hurdles, making Zelensky’s outreach to non-traditional allies like South Africa all the more critical.
His upcoming visit follows his December 2024 remarks expressing interest in traveling to Pretoria. At the time, he quipped, “I will be in Pretoria with pleasure, but you must ask Mr. Ramaphosa because I think he is more busy.” Now, with an invitation extended, the world will be watching to see whether this visit brings tangible diplomatic outcomes or merely serves as a symbolic gesture.
While South Africa has yet to explicitly condemn Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, hosting Zelensky signals a willingness to engage with all sides. The question remains: Is this a bold move to cement South Africa’s status as a credible global mediator, or a risky gamble that could further strain its relations with Moscow and the West? Only time will tell.
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