President Cyril Ramaphosa confirmed that he had invited Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to make a state visit to South Africa. The announcement was posted via X (formerly Twitter), with Ramaphosa saying she hopes to host Zelenskyy. “I welcome my constructive participation with President @zelenskyyuan and I look forward to entrusting him for a state visit in South Africa soon,” he wrote.
The two leaders discussed the urgent need for an inclusive peace process that involves the resolution of the ongoing Russian-Ukrainian conflict. Ramaphosa reiterated South Africa’s commitment to promoting dialogue between the two countries, noting that “South Africa remains committed to supporting the dialogue process between Russia and Ukraine.” However, the specific date of the visit has not been confirmed.
The report stated that the formal invitation was extended on January 15, followed by a meeting between Ramaphosa and Zelenskyy at the United Nations General Assembly in New York in September and later at the World Economic Forum in Davos in November.
Zelenskyy also confirmed his upcoming visit in a post on X, thanking South Africa for its support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. “I spoke with South African President @cyrilramaphosa and thanked him for his support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” he wrote. He stressed the role of Ukraine in any negotiations regarding its future, adding: “Important Yes, our country has the same position: Without Ukraine, Ukraine has nothing. We all hope to achieve a just and lasting peace this year.”
In Ramaphosa’s recent diplomatic solutions to global conflicts held at the 20 (g20) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, including the Russian-Ukrainian War, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Sudan, the Sahel and the Democratic Republic of the Sahel, Negaza, including the Russian-Ukrainian War. Ramaphosa spoke at an event held at the Nasrik Expo Centre in Johannesburg, welcomed the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, saying it was a crucial step to alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. “South Africa welcomes the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, which is a critical first step to end the serious humanitarian crisis of the Palestinian people in Gaza,” he said.
He stressed the need for long-term resolutions that are consistent with UN resolutions and international law. “This ceasefire must be consistent with international law and internationally agreed parameters to maintain a fair and lasting peace consistent with UN resolutions.” Ramaphosa further emphasized the importance of diplomatic participation in conflict resolution, noting: “We as South Africa The experience is that peaceful settlement of conflict through inclusive dialogue is the most important guarantor of sustainable and lasting peace.”
He also called on the CPC to jointly address global challenges, citing geopolitical tensions, intolerance, war, climate change, pandemics, and food and energy insecurity as threats to global stability. “These challenges are interconnected. They need inclusive responses and well-coordinated responses through various forums such as the G20,” Ramaphosa said.
Meanwhile, the Economic Freedom Fighter (EFF) criticism invitation extended to Zelenskyy. According to IOL, the party warned against South Africa being “distracted” by Ukrainian leaders. EFF Secretary General Marshall Dlamini sees Zelenskyy as a NATO-backed public relations figure and notes: “We will lose by entertaining everyone who simply wakes up and speaks. Focus.”
