**Zelensky's Landmark South African Visit: A New Era for Ukraine-Africa Relations**

**Zelensky's visit marks a strategic pivot for Ukraine towards strengthening ties with African nations, as the war continues to reshape geopolitical allegiances and economic partnerships.**

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky has embarked on a significant diplomatic mission to South Africa, highlighting an evolution in the relationship between the two nations historically marked by tensions. This visit is a testament to Ukraine's efforts to mitigate Russian influence in Africa, a region that has increasingly become a battleground for global power dynamics.

"Russia might not find much leverage against this visit," remarked Steven Gruzd from the South African Institute of International Relations. This marks Zelensky’s first official visit to Africa since becoming president in 2019, apart from a brief transit in Cape Verde in 2023 on the way to Argentina. Ukraine has recognized the importance of solidifying partnerships with African nations, particularly since many of them, including South Africa, have refrained from openly condemning Russia’s invasion in 2022.

History shows that Ukraine has previously neglected African diplomacy, evident in its lack of a strong presence. However, the tide seems to be changing, with the number of Ukrainian embassies in Africa doubling from 10 to 20 over the past three years. The landscape is competitive, with Russia, China, Turkey, and the UAE all jostling for influence in the continent.

Zelensky's South Africa visit gains additional significance against the backdrop of cooling relations with the United States, especially since the Trump administration shifted its foreign policy focus. Trump has paused military assistance and criticized Zelensky, calling him a "dictator" and blaming Ukraine for its ongoing war.

“For Ukraine, gaining international legitimacy is essential, especially in this environment,” noted Prof. Siphamandla Zondi from the University of Johannesburg, stressing the importance of perceptions in warfare. South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa views this visit as a chance to solidify his role as a peacemaker, emphasizing discussions aimed at exploring diplomatic resolutions.

Ahead of Zelensky’s arrival, Ramaphosa communicated with Russian President Vladimir Putin, reaffirming bilateral relations and a commitment to peace talks surrounding the conflict. Ramaphosa has previously attempted similar peacemaking efforts by leading a coalition of African leaders to both Kyiv and Moscow in 2023, which was met with criticism from the Biden administration regarding South Africa’s neutrality.

Despite territorial disputes with the U.S. administration regarding arms supplies to Russia, relations with Trump have been less confrontational. However, tensions have surfaced around South Africa's allegations of genocide against Israel at the International Court of Justice, leading to strife with the former president.

Analyst Zondi emphasizes that South Africa seeks to maintain a careful balance in its talks with Zelensky to avoid antagonizing the Trump administration further. Furthermore, strengthening trade ties with Ukraine is pivotal to bolster South Africa's struggling economy, marked by economic stagnation and high unemployment. "Any increase in trade is vital," he noted, speculating that enhanced relations could benefit both nations.

If this strategic partnership flourishes, it could reshape Ukraine's influence in Africa, with South Africa potentially acting as a vital conduit for Ukraine’s outreach on the continent. This relationship may foster mutual benefits amid a backdrop where both Ukraine and Russia are key agricultural suppliers to Africa, complicating a clear-cut alignment in a region unwilling to choose sides in an ongoing conflict.