MK and EFF march against Zelensky’s SA visit

Come rain or shine, the uMkhonto weSizwe party (MK) and the EFF marched to the Union Buildings to picket against the visit of Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky to South Africa.

But not the SACP Gauteng: they postponed their planned picket outside the Ukrainian embassy yesterday due to the rain.

Zelensky’s mission for diplomacy

Zelensky posted on X about meeting President Cyril Ramaphosa about a ceasefire in his war-torn country.

But his extended hand of peace was rejected by marching members, who sang struggle songs with placards “Shame on you, Ramaphosa and Zelensky” as they marched from the gate of the Union Buildings to the park at the bottom.

Zelensky said it was crucial to bring a just peace closer and to work together to ensure that the G20 countries are actively engaged in diplomatic efforts.

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Fresh attacks in Ukraine

But another attack on Ukraine saw him cut his visit to SA short.

“It has been 44 days since Ukraine agreed to a full ceasefire and a halt to strikes. This was a proposal from the United States. And it has been 44 days of Russia continuing to kill our people and evading tough pressure and accountability for its actions.

“It is extremely important that everyone around the world sees and understands what is really happening. As of this moment, over 80 people have been injured across Ukraine. I instructed the minister of defence of Ukraine to immediately contact our partners regarding our requests to strengthen air defences.”

G20 engagement

Zelensky’s said he would brief Ramaphosa, who currently holds the G20 presidency, on “our need to intensify global diplomatic efforts”.

“The strikes must be stopped immediately and unconditionally. I am cancelling part of the programme for this visit and will return to Ukraine immediately after the meeting with the president of South Africa.”

Zelensky said he was grateful to everyone around the world who stood with Ukraine and supported his people.

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