Kachur: South Africa’s stance on Ukraine shaped by history, Russian influence

South Africa’s mixed response to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine can be traced to historical ties with both countries, gaps in public understanding, and the impact of Russian disinformation and governance models, according to Dzvinka Kachur, UWC Regional Vice President for Africa and co-founder of the Ukrainian Association of South Africa (UAZA).

Speaking on the Historiotherapy podcast, Kachur said South Africa’s early reaction was shaped by “longstanding connections” and a lack of awareness about Russia’s imperial ambitions. She said that many in the country didn’t initially recognize Moscow’s effort to reassert its dominance and colonize Ukraine. 

She also pointed to the Kremlin’s promotion of the resource-driven governance model in Africa, where elites profit from natural wealth while most citizens remain poor. 

“This system allows a small group of leaders to enrich themselves—buying yachts and mansions—while avoiding accountability. It’s not popular with the public, but it appeals to certain elites, and that is what Russia pushes across the continent,” she explained.

Kachur added that South Africa’s historic ties to both Moscow and Kyiv during its own liberation struggle contributed to the government’s ambivalence. While the country has largely tried to stay non-aligned, she said its position has evolved. 

“South Africa still calls itself neutral, but its stance today is not quite the same as it was at the beginning of the war.”