‘I do believe the South African president would never be in favour of any violation of human rights and any war in any part of the world.’
When – or perhaps if – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky does speak to President Ramaphosa, he will urge him to accuse Russia for what it is doing to his country.
Right at the start of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on 24 February, Pandor called for Moscow to withdraw its troops from Ukraine and respect its neighbour’s territorial integrity. Nevertheless, Abravitova also said that the planning for the call between Ramaphosa and Zelensky was proceeding and that she and South Africa’s ambassador to Ukraine, Andre Groenewald were working hard on it.
But Abravitova insisted; “I don’t think my request to meet the president as the ambassador of a country which is under attack, which affects directly the world economy, can be perceived as undiplomatic.” She said the call would have to substantially and directly address the fact that Ukraine was under attack by Russia. And there had to be achievements in the conversation, likely to last just 10 to 15 minutes.
Nevertheless, a conversation with Ramaphosa would be important for Ukraine because of South Africa’s membership of the G20 and of BRICS “And I do believe the South African president would never be in favour of any violation of human rights and any war in any part of the world. Knowing his experience and his knowledge and abilities and the history of South Africa which speaks out.
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