Various South African political parties took to the streets on Thursday to voice their discontent with the government’s decision to host Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the Union Buildings in Pretoria. This high-profile state visit unfolded under the shadow of ongoing demonstrations, reflecting the mounting tension surrounding South Africa’s foreign policy and its historical allegiances.
The protests were spearheaded by the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), a party known for its radical positions and a strong push for closer ties with BRICS Plus nations and other allies in the global South. EFF Deputy Chairperson Phillip Makwala did not mince his words regarding Zelenskyy’s presence, labelling him a “western puppet” and asserting that South Africa should instead strengthen its ties with Russia, which has been a longstanding ally since the apartheid era.
“We don’t want the western puppet and warmongering Zelenskyy. South Africa doesn’t need anything from him,” Makwala stated emphatically. “It’s Russia that we must work with, not Zelenskyy, who sacrifices his own people for imperialism.” His comments highlight a growing chasm between certain factions within South Africa and Western nations, especially in the context of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
The EFF’s discontent intensified following the barred entry of Russian President Vladimir Putin to a BRICS summit in South Africa due to an International Criminal Court warrant for his arrest. EFF leader Julius Malema famously proclaimed, “We are Putin, Putin is us,” indicating a desire to openly defy the implications of Western policies regarding Russia.
Adding to the chorus of dissent, the South African Communist Party (SACP), a close ally of the ruling African National Congress (ANC), joined in protests against Zelensky’s visit. SACP General Secretary Solly Mapaila described the Ukrainian leader as a pawn of NATO and warned that backing him could jeopardise the broader interests of the global South. “If we allow the imperialists to attack Russia, they will gain momentum and the next target will be China,” Mapaila cautioned, imploring the South African government to reconsider its alliances.
Even the UMkhonto Wesizwe party, led by former President Jacob Zuma, participated in the protests, echoing the anti-Zelenskyy sentiment that has taken root among various left-leaning groups around the country.
Despite the robust protests, which unfolded in a peaceful manner amidst a heavy police presence, the South African government defended its position. President Cyril Ramaphosa asserted that engaging with Zelenskyy was crucial for contributing meaningfully to the peace process in Ukraine. Ramaphosa explained that his discussions with both Zelenskyy and Putin aimed at fostering dialogue to end the war. “I spoke to President Donald Trump to discuss the peace process in Ukraine. We both agreed that the war should be brought to an end as soon as possible to stop further unnecessary deaths,” he noted.
Ramaphosa also highlighted his ongoing communication with President Putin, insisting on the importance of working collaboratively towards a peaceful resolution of the conflict.
The protests reflect deeper underlying tensions within South Africa’s political landscape – tensions that move beyond mere political rivalries, intertwining with historical allegiances and the complexities of global geopolitics.