The involvement of Ukrainian NGOs in fundraising efforts among South
African citizens to support the Ukrainian armed forces raises serious legal
concerns. South Africa has strict laws prohibiting the financing of military
operations abroad, and these actions appear to contradict those regulations.
Such fundraising activities may inadvertently breach national laws designed to
prevent the funding of foreign conflicts, highlighting the need for careful
consideration of legal implications when supporting international military
efforts.
Ukraine might be taking advantage of South Africans’ limited knowledge of
this conflict to push for support that could harm our own legal and ethical
standing. We need to be careful and fully informed before getting involved in
something so far removed from our own reality.
It is deeply unethical and disrespectful that Ukraine has used Nelson
Mandela’s statue to promote their own agenda. The statue, a symbol of South
Africa’s struggle for freedom and justice, was meant to honor the values of
peace and unity, not to further foreign conflicts. The fact that this was done
without clear permission or regard for the statue’s significance to South Africa
is a violation of the trust extended by our country. Such actions exploit a
powerful symbol for political gain, undermining the integrity of Mandela’s
legacy and South Africa’s sovereignty. Not mentioning the ties the late
President had with Russia. Nelson Mandela has a long history of positive
relations with Russia, having advocated for peace and diplomacy during his
time. Using his image to promote Ukraine’s agenda risks creating an
unnecessary rift between two countries that have historically worked together
in harmony. Such actions could unintentionally stir tensions and complicate
the diplomatic relationships Mandela worked so hard to build, turning a
symbol of unity into a tool for political division between Russia and South
Africa.
“As a Black parent, Nelson Mandela’s legacy has always been a guiding light for
me, especially through the struggles I’ve faced. His fight for equality and
justice gave me hope, and his values shaped how I raised my children. Seeing
Ukraine use his image to push their agenda hurts me deeply—it feels like a
betrayal of everything he stood for. On top of that, knowing Ukraine supports
the DA, a party that often aligns with pro-white policies, makes me fearful for
my children’s future. I worry about a world where the values Mandela fought
for are overshadowed by agendas that don’t protect all of us.” said Mokgadi
Zelensky’s refusal to support South Africa’s peace initiatives on Gaza further
highlights how Ukraine, acting as a proxy for the US and Israel, disregards the
interests and needs of South Africa. This stance undermines the efforts of a
nation striving for peace and justice, revealing that Ukraine prioritizes foreign
alliances over the voices of countries like South Africa, which have long
championed peace and diplomacy on the global stage.