By Sameera Casmod
3 July 2023 | 00:00 CAT
3 min read

Photo Credit: Vatican News

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa was part of a delegation that visited Russia to mediate in the Russia-Ukraine war. On 17 June, Ramaphosa told Russian President Vladimir Putin that the conflict must end diplomatically because of its negative effect on the African continent and other countries worldwide.

Ramaphosa’s role in the peace-seeking delegation raised whether he was going too far in search of solutions instead of remedying problems currently affecting South Africa.

Professor Bheki Mngomezulu, a political analyst, was interviewed on Radio Islam International, and he allayed fears that the President is ignoring issues that South African citizens are facing.

He said that the President is “hands-on with what is happening in the country”, even though citizens might say that past and present challenges are being insufficiently handled. For instance, it was suggested that in the context of the cholera outbreak, the President would address it in the same way he tackled the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mngomezulu stated that although the President has not been acting in the expected way, such as having ‘family meetings’ or addressing the nation frequently, the Minister of Health has been trying his best.

Concerns were also raised about Ramaphosa’s lack of involvement in issues faced by other countries on the African continent, such as DRC and Sudan. The logical sequence of problem-solving, according to Mngomezulu, is to address problems faced in the country and on the continent before embarking on international peace missions. He points out that South Africa can directly influence such continental challenges because of its membership with the SADC.

“[The] reality of the matter is our leaders in Africa have failed the continent,” Mngomezulu said.

He suggests that President Ramaphosa is not solely responsible for failing to give aid in Africa and that a strong coalition between African leaders must be formed to solve problems in the African continent.

Important to note, however, is the reason for Ramaphosa’s peace delegation is to reduce the consequences of the war on African countries. These consequences include high fuel and food prices and a decrease in the currency’s value.

Concerns were also voiced about the effects the President’s inaction to solve South Africa’s problems would have on the upcoming elections. Mngomezulu said that although the ANC is facing challenges larger than any faced in the past, there is a good chance-with work around the clock – that they will emerge victorious.

“At the end of the day, people vote because they like the party-despite the individuals who might be there… which is why parties win even if people have problems with…the ANC,” said Mngomezulu.

Listen to the full interview on Sabahul Muslim with Sulaimaan Ravat here.