SOUTH Africa is set to welcome Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for a state visit, marking a significant diplomatic move amid ongoing global power struggles. President Cyril Ramaphosa confirmed the visit on social media but did not specify a date.
The invitation comes at a pivotal moment as Ukraine finds itself excluded from recent US-Russia discussions on ending the war, now in its third year. Ramaphosa and Zelensky discussed the need for an ‘inclusive peace process’ during a phone call, according to a statement from the South African presidency. Zelensky echoed the sentiment, stating ‘nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine.’
South Africa’s complex role in the conflict
South Africa has historically maintained close ties with Russia, as both nations are part of the influential BRICS bloc alongside Brazil, India, and China. However, Ramaphosa has positioned his country as a neutral mediator in the conflict, advocating for diplomatic solutions rather than aligning with either side.
In 2023, Ramaphosa led a delegation of African leaders, including representatives from Egypt, Senegal, Zambia, and Uganda, in an effort to broker peace. The group met with both Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin, highlighting Africa’s growing role in global diplomacy.
Diplomatic strategy and global messaging
Political analysts see Zelensky’s visit as a strategic move for both leaders. Dr. Oscar van Heerden, a political analyst at the University of Johannesburg, described the visit as ‘brilliant’ for South Africa’s diplomatic positioning.
‘Ramaphosa is being clever because [US President Donald] Trump might want to dismiss South Africa as a small African country, but we are once again demonstrating that we can operate above our station internationally,’ Van Heerden noted.
Zelensky, on the other hand, may view South Africa as a valuable diplomatic bridge due to its connections with Moscow. South Africa’s perceived neutrality and role as an ‘honest broker’ make it an attractive partner in Kyiv’s ongoing global outreach.
US-South Africa relations at a crossroads
Zelensky’s visit also comes as South Africa’s relationship with the United States faces increasing strain. Washington recently suspended aid to South Africa over a controversial land expropriation law, with Ramaphosa responding that his country ‘will not be bullied.’
Meanwhile, tensions between Ukraine and its key ally, the US, have been mounting. Former US President Donald Trump recently criticized Zelensky, calling him a ‘dictator’ and accusing him of doing ‘a terrible job.’
Despite these geopolitical tensions, Ramaphosa’s government continues to assert its independent foreign policy, balancing relations with both Western and Eastern powers.
What this means for global diplomacy
Zelensky’s planned visit underscores South Africa’s increasing influence in global diplomacy, particularly as a mediator in conflicts involving major world powers. His engagement with Ramaphosa signals that Ukraine sees South Africa as a critical partner in advocating for a broader, more inclusive peace process.
With no confirmed date yet, all eyes will be on Pretoria to see how this visit unfolds and what impact it may have on South Africa’s standing on the world stage.
