South African Ukrainians launch new cultural cooperation study

The Ukrainian Association of South Africa (UAZA), in partnership with the International Institute of Education, Culture, and Diaspora Relations (MIOK/IIEC), has a new study that explores how cultural cooperation between South Africa and Ukraine can be solidified and reimagined. 

The initiative forms part of a broader program that is led by the Ukrainian Institute to deepen cross-cultural dialogue worldwide. 

The project, called “South Africa: Cultural Environment and Local Contexts,” examines the country’s cultural infrastructure, socio-political and historical dynamics, identity issues, indigenous communities, and evolving cultural narratives. 

Researchers conducted 22 in-depth interviews with diplomats, members of the Ukrainian community, South African cultural and artistic leaders, and representatives of major institutions, media and civil society organizations. 

“Few people know that relations between South Africa and Ukraine date back to 1963,” said Dzvinka Kachur, UWC Regional Vice President for Africa and co-founder of UAZA. “After our two countries gained independence, dialogue faded for some time as both focused on defining their own identities and visions of freedom. But today, shared democratic values and a renewed sense of solidarity are bringing our peoples together again.”

What makes the forged bondship more cooperative and particularly meaningful is the character of South Africa’s Ukrainian community itself. Although smaller in size than in other parts of the world, the diaspora is uniquely vibrant and well-integrated, and plays an active role in civic life, cultural programming, and advocacy work.

In recent years, it has become a bridge between Ukrainian voices and diverse South Africa communities, fostering mutual understanding and cultural exchange. 

The full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022 has further galvanized these ties, creating new opportunities for dialogue, joint initiatives, and people-to-people connections after decades of limited interaction. 

The complete study is available here.