Ukrainians in South Africa defend themselves against discrediting attack

The Ukrainian Association of South Africa (UAZA) has refuted False information about their activities and Ukrainian community representatives. Media outlets affiliated with the local Independent Online (IOL) have spread false information to discredit the organisation and the Ukrainian community in South Africa.

“UAZA was not contacted for comment, which we believe is a violation of the Press Code. We are issuing this statement to clarify the facts manipulated in the article.,” The organization emphasized.

As a Soviet Socialist Republic, Ukraine played a key role in supporting the anti-apartheid movement. “We strongly reject any falsification of this story”, the UAZA explained.

For decades, Ukraine played a crucial role as vice-chair of the UN Special Committee against Apartheid. In 1963, South African anti-apartheid activist Oliver Tambo thanked Ukraine for its support and believed that these measures could put an end to racial discrimination.

UAZ is a South African civil society organisation registered in 2017 that brings together South Africans and Ukrainians living in South Africa to build dialogue between the two countries. UAZA has over 200 members of various ethnicities in Cape Town, Durban, Gqeberha, Johannesburg, Limpopo, Pretoria and other major cities.

“UAZA's activities are based on respect for South Africa's struggle for justice, equality and freedom – the values ​​that Nelson Mandela represented, were shared by Ukrainian political prisoners during the Soviet era, and are shared today by Ukrainian political prisoners in Russia and by those fighting for their freedom and a rules-based order today.”, is the conclusion of the community.