The party has called for the decision to be reversed immediately.

Zelensky is set to visit SAext week, but the SACP, represented by Spokesperson Alex Mashilo, argues that this visit could harm the country’s international standing. Mashilo made it clear that the Ukrainian leader, having overstayed his term, is not a legitimate representative of Ukraine.

"Zelensky's mandate has expired," Mashilo explained. "While President Putin in Russia went through elections and was re-elected, Ukraine has not had an election, and Zelensky’s leadership is now in question. He has become a figurehead for Western powers who are using Ukraine as a battleground in their geopolitical struggle."

Mashilo also raised concerns about SA being drawn into a larger imperialist agenda by hosting Zelensky, suggesting that the visit would align the country with European and United States (US) interests that benefit from the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. He pointed out that even within North Atlantic Treaty Organisation there are differing opinions about the war, but Zelensky still continues to receive support from certain Western countries.

When asked if the SACP had raised these concerns with the SA government, Mashilo confirmed that the party had publicly voiced their position after a recent Central Committee meeting. The SACP believes the government should reconsider its stance to avoid putting SA on the wrong side of global politics.

Mashilo further questioned the legitimacy of the ongoing war, noting the contradictions in how the West engages with Russia and Ukraine. “They reject Russia’s democratic processes, but they are working with an unelected Zelensky,” he said.

--ChannelAfrica--