Zelensky lands in South Africa, MK Party to protest against visit

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has landed in South Africa for his official visit.

Zelensky landed on Wednesday, 23 April and was welcomed by the Minister of International Relations Ronald Lamola and President Cyril Ramaphosa is set to host him at the Union Buildings in South Africa’s capita city on Thursday, 24 April.

This marks the first visit by a Ukrainian leader to South Africa, signalling a deepening of the bilateral relationship between the two countries. This historic visit follows Ramaphosa’s trip to Ukraine on 16 June 2023, as part of the Africa Peace Initiative.

UKRAINE LEADER VOLODYMYR ZELENSKY HAS LANDED IN SOUTH AFRICA

Zelensky’s visit has been met with mixed reactions as South Africa’s opposition party uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party plans to protest against his visit at the Union Buildings on Thursday morning.

The Jacob Zuma-led party said the Ukrainian leader is a NATO puppet and is not welcome in South Africa.

Upon landing, Zelensky took to X (formerly Twitter) to say he is preparing for important meetings in South Africa with President Cyril Ramaphosa and representatives of political, civil, and student communities of African countries.

“It is crucial to bring a just peace closer. We are working to ensure that the G20 countries are actively engaged in diplomatic efforts. We count on South Africa’s meaningful participation in the International Coalition for the return of thousands of Ukrainian children abducted by Russia. We will also certainly strengthen our cultural and educational ties,” he posted on X.