‘Unpaid adviser’ Chauke part of SA’s Russia peace deal delegation

Reports have confirmed that Bejani Chauke, a trusted advisor to President Cyril Ramaphosa, is currently in Russia to support South Africa’s endeavours in brokering a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine.

Chauke, who previously served as Ramaphosa’s political adviser, made the decision to work for the president for free, foregoing an annual salary of over R2 million. His role has since transitioned to that of an investment envoy.

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According to a News24 report, accompanying a delegation of South African officials, Chauke arrived in Moscow last week for a series of security talks.

His presence preceded the arrival of Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, the Minister in the Presidency responsible for State Security.

Peace mission

Vincent Magwenya, the spokesperson for President Ramaphosa, confirmed Chauke’s involvement in the delegation during a media briefing at the Union Buildings.

Magwenya stated that Chauke’s purpose in Russia is to aid in the preparation for an upcoming peace mission involving African leaders, set to take place in June. He did not elaborate any further on this.

Chauke was also part of a South African delegation that travelled to the United States in April to address strained relations between the two countries due to South Africa’s stance on Russia.

The South African government’s refusal to adopt a more stringent position on Russia has strained its relationship with the United States.

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Meanwhile, Minister Ntshavheni is scheduled to hold routine security talks in Russia from 23 to 25 May.

Ntshavheni is expected to engage with Russian authorities regarding the peacekeeping mission led by African leaders, aimed at resolving the conflict between Ukraine and Russia.

African leaders

The African leaders’ peace mission to Russia and Ukraine was recently announced by President Ramaphosa following consultations with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

In preparation for the mission, Minister Ntshavheni has already dispatched “high-level” officials from the Presidency to Ukraine.

President Cyril Ramaphosa confirmed the peace mission includes the participation of Zambia, Senegal, Congo, Uganda, Egypt, and South Africa, and has received affirmation from Putin and Zelensky, who have agreed to meet the African delegation during the scheduled trip in June.