BY: Saneliso Mlambo
President Cyril Ramaphosa’s office has confirmed that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will undertake a state visit to South Africa on April 10, 2025. This visit aims to advance ongoing peace efforts between Russia and Ukraine.
The invitation, extended by President Ramaphosa in mid-January, underscores South Africa’s commitment to fostering an inclusive peace process. This initiative aligns with previous efforts, including a 2023 African-led peace delegation comprising Egypt, Senegal, Zambia, and Uganda, which engaged with both President Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
In a recent conversation, Presidents Ramaphosa and Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of involving Ukraine in all discussions pertaining to its future, encapsulated in the principle of “nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine.” This principle was a focal point during the G20 foreign ministers’ meeting held in Johannesburg, where global conflicts, particularly the Russia-Ukraine war, were extensively discussed.
South Africa’s role as a mediator in international conflicts is further highlighted by its hosting of the G20 Leaders’ Summit in November 2025, following its tenure as G20 president.