South Africa’s Fence Sitting on Russia Is Becoming Costly to International Relations

• South Africa's government's refusal to condemn Russia for its invasion of Ukraine is causing damage to the country's image internationally
• In New York, South Africa tried to pass a resolution at the United Nations offering humanitarian aid to Russia
• The proposal failed to pass due to the wording which failed to mention Russia at all and the country's lack of consultation with Ukraine

PRETORIA - South Africa's attempts to remain neutral in the face of the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the resulting damage and destruction, particularly that being wrought upon the civilian population is becoming an issue for the country's image.

It has been termed a public relations disaster and it keeps getting worse. The South African government has been called on to condemn the attacks on civilians in Ukraine, Archbishop Thabo Makgoba of Cape Town added his voice.

Read also

Companies shouldn't hire illegal migrants but citizens shouldn't be unSouth African, says Ramaphosa

At the United Nations headquarters in New York, South Africa is being dragged through the mud for its suggestion that humanitarian aid must be delivered to Ukraine. The idea is not what is at issue, South Africa's proposed resolution makes no mention of Russia at all.

According to the Daily Maverick, a Western diplomat slammed South Africa's apparent indulgence in what he called "medieval barbarity" following Russia's intensive bombarding of civilians in cities across Ukraine.

Makgoba asked the government where the spirit of Ubuntu was and where the country's humanity had gone. He was speaking at an exhibition of the late Archbishop Desmond Tutu.

South Africa's attempt to pass a resolution in New York failed, it argued that in order for aid to be delivered, Russia would have to be on board, hence the wording of the resolution.

Read also

John Steenhuisen slams Human Rights Day celebrations: "No use when millions live below poverty"

However, a Ukraine-Mexico-France resolution was passed almost unanimously by the 140 members. Adding to this, International Relations and Cooperation Minister Naledi Pandor have been reluctant to arrange a meeting between President Cyril Ramaphosa and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Ramaphose met Vladimir Putin via video conference two weeks ago. Foreign Policy reported that South Africa's silence on Russia's invasion is damaging the country's image overseas.

The people’s president: Volodymyr Zelensky's rise from comedian to heroic leader

Earlier, Briefly News reported that burning buildings, missiles lighting up the sky, deserted streets - this is the reality of the people in Ukraine following Russia’s invasion. One man has been the country’s voice since the very beginning of this war. Like a phoenix who rose from the ashes to strengthen his people, he is Volodymyr Zelensky.

The president of Ukraine has become synonymous with strength, resilience and hope during one of the most challenging times his country has faced since winning independence.

Zelensky was offered the opportunity to flee Ukraine during the early days of Russia’s invasion. Still, he refused to leave his countrymen, even if it meant his life was in danger. To the world, Zelensky became an example of how a leader should be. Just how did a former comedian-turned-president become a global symbol of hope? Briefly News takes a look at Volodymyr Zelensky‘s inspiring story.

Source: Briefly News