Ntshavheni: African leaders who went to Russia, Ukraine deserve more recognition
Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni believes South Africans should be proud of the peace mission to Russia and Ukraine.
The mission, which consisted of several African leaders, was led by President Cyril Ramaphosa.
The high-profile delegation of presidents and envoys met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Saturday before flying to Russia to speak with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on Sunday.
But critics have labelled the mission as “shambolic” after an SAA plane with security forces and journalists on board was stuck in Poland.
Polish authorities blamed incorrect paperwork for their decision not to allow the 120 passengers to leave the aircraft.
But Ntshavheni says the African leaders who went to Ukraine and Russia deserve more recognition for their efforts to broker peace.
Speaking at a briefing on this week’s cabinet meeting, Ntshavheni said this was the first time Africa is helping to resolve a conflict in Europe.
“This is the first time Africans took the initiative to go where others have dared not go, and they have participated and started to say there is a possibility of dialogue and resolution in this conflict.”
Ntshavheni also hit back at Polish authorities, saying there was no reason to detain the group of presidential security personnel and journalists.
“On our part, everything was done according to the normal protocols. Poland was made aware of the weapons on the South African chartered plane. Cabinet has noted these events and will take necessary measures on necessary channels.”
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