International relations analyst Ayesha Kajee says Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy‘s first State visit to South Africa augurs well for both nations on the economic and diplomatic fronts.

On Thursday, President Cyril Ramaphosa welcomed President Zelenskyy to the Union Buildings in Pretoria for a working visit. This marks a historic moment for South Africa as it continues its leadership as chair of the G20, a key global forum.

Kajee is convinced that South Africa’s agricultural sector has the potential to benefit the most by importing wheat and fertilizer.

In turn, Kyiv can tap into the Southern African market by importing and exporting its products.

On the diplomatic front, Kajee says considering the fragile relationship of the US with South Africa and Ukraine, it would be beneficial for Pretoria and Kyiv to strengthen ties. Zelensky’s official visit is the first by a Ukrainian head of state to South Africa.

Ayesha Kajee discusses Ukrainian President’s working visit to South Africa

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Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky has arrived in South Africa.
President Cyril Ramaphosa will be hosting his Ukrainian counterpart in Pretoria this morning.

Footage courtesy: GCIS#sabcnews pic.twitter.com/Lr63lF8h47

— Chriselda Zozi Lewis (Babes Wendaba) (@Chriseldalewis) April 24, 2025

Russia-Ukraine war

President Ramaphosa has reaffirmed that the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine must end. The two leaders discussed trade issues as well as the continuing war in Ukraine.

In 2023, Ramaphosa led the African leaders’ peace mission to both countries, calling for the cessation of hostilities.

The Ukrainian President has commended all who want to see peace in his country. He has also pleaded with South Africa to engage with Moscow to bring back their children.

Pretoria is one of the capitals that can still access Russia and Ukraine for talks as the war continues.

President Ramaphosa hosts President Zelenskyy on his first official visit to SA:

The US has been involved with Ukraine and Russia in ending the conflict. One of the major issues is around the preconditions after Russia annexed some Ukrainian territories, including Crimea.

President Ramaphosa says there should be no pre-conditions in the peace deal that will be negotiated between Russia and Ukraine.