Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s anticipated visit to South Africa has raised concerns among diplomatic circles, with former ambassador and international relations analyst Dr Kingsley Makhubela cautioning that it could put the country in a precarious position amid growing geopolitical tensions.
President Cyril Ramaphosa is set to co-chair the 8th South Africa-European Union (EU) Summit in Cape Town on Thursday, alongside European leaders António Costa and Ursula von der Leyen. The meeting, aimed at strengthening diplomatic and trade relations, takes place against the backdrop of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, a conflict that has divided global powers.
Makhubela warns that Zelenskyy’s presence could deepen fractures between South Africa, Europe, and the United States, noting that Washington and Brussels have diverging views on how to resolve the war. He suggests that South Africa’s carefully maintained position of neutrality could be at risk if it is seen as taking sides in the dispute.
“There is a real danger that we could be caught in a political game, especially at a time when Europe is actively seeking new alliances to strengthen its stance,” Makhubela said. “If South Africa appears to shift from its neutral stance, it could harm its credibility as an independent player in global affairs.”
His remarks come amid broader concerns over South Africa’s foreign policy, particularly as tensions remain between Pretoria and Washington over various diplomatic and economic issues. The visit, he suggests, may add another layer of complexity to these relations.
