Zelensky arrives in South Africa amid planned MK Party protest
The MK Party dismissed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as a NATO puppet and declared that he is unwelcome in South Africa.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky touched down in South Africa on Wednesday, 23 April, marking the first-ever official visit by a Ukrainian head of state to the country. His arrival signals a new chapter in diplomatic engagement between Kyiv and Pretoria.
The Ukrainian leader was received by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, ahead of high-level talks scheduled for Thursday, 24 April, with President Cyril Ramaphosa at the Union Buildings in Pretoria.
The visit, described as historic, builds on Ramaphosa’s own journey to Ukraine in June 2023 under the banner of the Africa Peace Initiative, highlighting ongoing efforts to strengthen ties and promote dialogue amid global geopolitical shifts.
UKRAINE LEADER VOLODYMYR ZELENSKY HAS LANDED IN SA
Zelensky’s arrival in South Africa has sparked a divided response, with the opposition uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party announcing plans to stage a protest at the Union Buildings on Thursday morning.
The party, led by former president Jacob Zuma, has criticised the Ukrainian leader, labelling him a NATO puppet and declaring that he is not welcome in the country.
Despite the backlash, Zelensky shared on X (formerly Twitter) that he is preparing for key engagements in South Africa, including discussions with President Cyril Ramaphosa and meetings with political, civil, and student leaders from across the African continent.
“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.