editor
Tensions flared across several South African cities this week as demonstrators took to the streets to protest the official visit of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
The protests, which were especially vocal in Pretoria and Cape Town, reflect deep divisions over global alliances and skepticism about foreign influence on the African continent.
Carrying placards and chanting slogans, protesters accused Zelenskyy of acting as a proxy for Western powers and condemned what they described as interference in African affairs. Many pointed to Ukraine’s growing diplomatic efforts in Africa as being aligned with Western geopolitical goals—particularly in regions like the Sahel, which have become flashpoints of conflict and international interest.
One protester in Pretoria, speaking on condition of anonymity, said, “Zelenskyy isn’t here for peace or solidarity. He’s being used as a symbol to push Western interests into Africa. We’re saying no to that.”
The demonstration was largely organized by members and supporters of the newly formed uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party, which has been vocal in its opposition to Ukraine’s leadership and its alignment with NATO. MK Party Secretary General Floyd Shivambu did not mince words when he described Zelenskyy as a “puppet of NATO-led militarism” and argued that his visit symbolized a broader effort to destabilize not just Eastern Europe, but also parts of the Global South.
Despite the strong pushback from protest groups, South Africa’s ruling African National Congress (ANC) defended Zelenskyy’s visit. Nomvula Mokonyane, the party’s First Deputy Secretary General, emphasized that the country remains committed to a non-aligned foreign policy and is open to dialogue with all global actors. “We are not taking sides,” she stated, “We are committed to peace and diplomatic engagement.”
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President Cyril Ramaphosa hosted Zelenskyy as part of a broader African initiative to mediate peace between Ukraine and Russia. Ramaphosa reiterated South Africa’s call for an immediate end to hostilities and emphasized the importance of negotiations without preconditions.
However, the visit was abruptly cut short after a deadly missile and drone attack struck Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv, leaving dozens injured. Zelenskyy left South Africa earlier than scheduled to return home and address the emergency.
The visit—and the protests surrounding it—underscore the complex dynamics of South Africa’s place on the global stage. As a member of BRICS with longstanding ties to Russia, South Africa has found itself walking a diplomatic tightrope, striving to maintain neutrality while engaging with both sides of the Ukraine conflict.
While the official government line calls for dialogue and diplomacy, the protests make clear that the South African public remains deeply divided on the country’s foreign policy approach—and on the role of leaders like Zelenskyy in shaping Africa’s future.
