South Africans have reacted to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on social media, with some asking President Cyril Ramaphosa what his stance is on the conflict and others calling for him not to interfere.
On Wednesday, the Department of International Relations in a statement said that the South African Government is concerned about the ongoing tensions at the Ukraine and Russia border, ‘a situation if allowed to further deteriorate, could have regional and global ramifications.’
Twitter users say Ramaphosa is silent on the conflict.
@CyrilRamaphosa what is your stance on Ukraine and Russia? #StandWithUkraine
— Huey Kratos (@HueyKratos) February 24, 2022
Most countries have condemned Russia’s move to acknowledge the independent states that are against sovereignty of Ukraine, and will soon be posing sanctions. What is Pretoria @DIRCO_ZA, cc @CyrilRamaphosa saying on the rising situations in Ukraine and Russia?
— Nkanyiso (@_iamnkanyiso) February 22, 2022
I’m worried about the effects this war between Ukraine ND Russia will have on the rest of the world, including Africa if this escalates to a full scale WW3, nd if buhar sides with Biden, ND Ramaphosa decides to take Putin’s side, might cause diplomatic tensions between SA ND ??
— Papie???? (@Bucwa_Langa) February 24, 2022
@DIRCO_ZA @PresidencyZA @CyrilRamaphosa
How do you plan on extracting South Africans that are stuck in Ukraine right now??— VONI (@Rivoningo_C) February 24, 2022
Some users called on Ramaphosa not to interfere and stay out of the conflict.
Ramaphosa shouldn’t even dare to interfere. South Africa has enough problems on its own #Putin #Ukraine #PutSouthAficansFirst ?? pic.twitter.com/uCJooutKYn
— ??Chubby Short Ninja RELOADED. (@BugaDaDj) February 24, 2022
Like South Africa can’t help Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Palestine or Afghanistan.
I don’t see why Ramaphosa should involve himself in Ukraine.
— Louw.Eth (@eastsidelouw) February 24, 2022
South Africa should just stay out of the conflict in the Ukraine and look at our internal problems.
— Fabian Watson (@nellaf21) February 24, 2022
??They must stay in South Africa they can’t even keep our borders secure how can we help ukraine ???we must keep our mouths closed before he sends cele and those round army officers
— The Prince of the Ocean (@theshlyndalynp) February 22, 2022
Soon @MYANC @PresidencyZA @CyrilRamaphosa will blame lack of economic growth and high number of unemployment on Russia Ukraine war. Covid19 won’t be an excuse now a new player is in town #PutSouthAfricansFirst
— ?????????? (@aredi1234) February 24, 2022
On Vladimir Putin’s actions.
Vladimir Putin doesn’t play games bafethu ??? pic.twitter.com/3LGjWJd9K5
— Cellular® (@Cellular_Jnr) February 24, 2022
He is angry aowa yhu https://t.co/HR5j5qMPjZ
— Tiffany?? (@MetjahTebogo) February 24, 2022
What Putin is doing to Ukraine is what Ramaphosa should have done to Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe is a waste of space and an expense on the entire sadc region with the most useless leadership ever . #RussiaUkraineConflict
— MlamboWekanyi (@mikemlamboM) February 24, 2022
Things are getting hectic in Kyiv,Ukraine. Putin is going hard on Ukraine. EU is talking hard no action yet….Kuzoshuba
— MASTER G (@givvy_givven) February 24, 2022
South Africans concerned about the situation.
Cash withdrawals in Ukraine have been limited. My friends in Odessa can’t get enough cash to attempt leaving country.
In Moscow, there are long lines on ATMs.
— Bo Mbindwane (@mbindwane) February 24, 2022
War should never be the solution ?
— Ulrich Janse van Vuuren (@UlrichJvV) February 24, 2022
A pandemic
WW3The stories imma tell my kids are gonna be CRAZY
— Kaido ? (@johndavids_635) February 24, 2022
Some took time to come up with lighter comments.
Naledi Pandor calls on Mabena to go to World War 3…he answered “thuma mina” ?♂️??@peche_africa pic.twitter.com/Damx4vwBFS
— Peché Africa?? (@peche_africa) February 24, 2022
Tonight, I have only one thing to say, from the bottom of my heart:
President Putin, stop your troops from attacking Ukraine.
Give peace a chance.
Too many people have already died. pic.twitter.com/PPgmABZiKl
— António Guterres (@antonioguterres) February 24, 2022
South africans on these here streets suddenly experts on Ukraine ???
— Satafrican (@Satafrican2) February 22, 2022
