South African News You Can Trust
Explosions rocked Kyiv as President Cyril Ramaphosa and other African leaders prepared to meet with Ukraine’s President Volodymr Zelensky on a peace mission.
The Ukrainian air force reported that 12 missiles and two drones were launched from the Black Sea, but they were successfully shot down by the country’s air defense system.
While Ramaphosa travelled to Kyiv by train, his additional security team remained on the chartered flight. Vincent Magwenya, Ramaphosa’s spokesperson, expressed regret over the incident and assured the public that the president’s safety was not compromised.
Efforts were being made to resolve the impasse with Polish counterparts so that the Presidential Protection Services team and the media could proceed with their planned journey, including covering the peace talks in Russia.
Opposition leaders criticized the organization of the trip, highlighting the lack of an advanced team to address potential issues on the ground upon the arrival of Ramaphosa’s security team.
Bantu Holomisa, leader of the UDM, blamed poor planning by the presidential team and questioned the flight plan. He emphasized the need for an advance team to handle logistics and ensure timely clearance for weapons. DA leader John Steenhuisen also expressed concern about the size of Ramaphosa’s delegation, calling it an embarrassment and questioning the expenses incurred by South African taxpayers.
Ramaphosa eventually arrived in Kyiv via train, where he was greeted by South Africa’s ambassador to Ukraine and a Ukrainian official.
Prior to their arrival in Kyiv, a standoff occurred in Warsaw between Ramaphosa’s security team and Polish authorities, with Major-General Wally Rhoode, head of the presidential protection unit, stating that the actions of the Poles compromised Ramaphosa’s security.
The main point of contention was the permits carried by the security team, although Rhoode insisted that all necessary documentation was in order.
