Why it matters:
The visit—coinciding with a bilateral meeting with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa—is overshadowed by a growing coalition of political, labor, and civil society groups protesting outside the Ukrainian embassy in Tshwane. These groups say Zelensky has been serving NATO interests and undermining democratic values.
The big picture:
Zelensky’s outreach to Africa comes after tepid engagement during the Ukraine war with Russia and amid U.S. pressure to reach a peace settlement. The visit marks a strategic pivot as Ukraine seeks new partners, yet South Africa’s strong BRICS alignment with Russia complicates Kyiv’s ambitions.
What they’re saying:
South African Communist Party (SACP): Zelensky “represents a regime that has become a willing proxy for the imperialist NATO... His visit is an insult to our people’s proud anti-apartheid and anti-fascist history.”
Protest groups: Point to the banning of opposition parties in Ukraine, suppression of workers’ rights, and the glorification of Nazi collaborators as reasons for their opposition.
Zelensky’s agenda: Includes peace talks and bolstering trade, especially in agriculture and fertilizers.
Key points:
- Zelensky’s visit marks a shift in Kyiv’s foreign policy, as he seeks to engage Africa amid geopolitical isolation.
- He will meet President Cyril Ramaphosa to discuss the Russia-Ukraine war and economic cooperation.
- Major protests led by the SACP, the opposition uMkhonto we Sizwe Party (MKP), and trade unions are underway in Pretoria.
- Critics say Zelensky’s term has expired, labeling him an "unelected leader."
- South Africa remains non-aligned in the Russia-Ukraine conflict but relies on both countries for grain and fertilizer imports.
Go deeper:
Zelensky’s move to travel to South Africa comes as the U.S. urges Ukraine to pivot toward negotiations with Russia. Yet Kyiv’s attempt to expand its influence in Africa may face stiff resistance. With South Africa maintaining a balancing act between BRICS alliances and global trade interests, Zelensky’s visit is symbolically bold—but unlikely to yield a foreign policy breakthrough.
Mojtaba Darabi
