Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has arrived in South Africa for a significant official visit.
His plane touched down on Wednesday, 23 April 2025, where he was greeted by South Africa’s Minister of International Relations, Ronald Lamola.
The visit marks a historic moment as it is the first time a Ukrainian president has ever visited the country.
On Thursday, 24 April, President Cyril Ramaphosa is set to host Zelensky at the Union Buildings in Pretoria, South Africa’s capital city.
Strengthening Bilateral Ties Between Ukraine and South Africa
Zelensky’s visit to South Africa is seen as a step toward deepening the bilateral relationship between the two nations.
This visit comes just under a year after President Ramaphosa’s trip to Ukraine in June 2023, where he took part in the Africa Peace Initiative, aimed at fostering dialogue and peace efforts in the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia.
The Ukrainian leader’s presence in South Africa is significant, symbolizing a growing cooperation and exchange between the two countries on political, cultural, and humanitarian fronts.
Mixed Reactions to Zelensky’s Visit
The arrival of President Zelensky has sparked a range of reactions across South Africa.
While the government and several political groups have welcomed the visit, opposition party uMkhonto weSizwe (MK), led by former President Jacob Zuma, has expressed strong disapproval.
The MK party plans to protest Zelensky’s visit at the Union Buildings on Thursday morning, labeling the Ukrainian leader a “NATO puppet” and making it clear that they do not consider him welcome in South Africa.
This protest highlights the complex and sometimes contentious nature of international diplomacy, especially when it comes to the ongoing war in Ukraine and its global ramifications.
Zelensky’s Message on South African Visit
Upon landing, Zelensky took to X (formerly Twitter) to share his thoughts on the visit and the importance of his meetings with South African leaders.
He emphasized the significance of working together to bring about a just peace and expressed hopes for greater involvement from South Africa in international diplomatic efforts, particularly regarding the return of thousands of Ukrainian children abducted by Russia.
“We are working to ensure that the G20 countries are actively engaged in diplomatic efforts,” Zelensky posted.
He also noted that he plans to strengthen cultural and educational ties between Ukraine and South Africa, underlining the broader goals of his visit beyond just political discussions.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for South Africa-Ukrainian Relations?
As Zelensky’s visit unfolds, many are watching closely to see how this relationship will evolve.
The Ukrainian president’s visit is poised to not only solidify political ties but also create new opportunities for cultural exchange, humanitarian collaboration, and continued peace efforts.