Democratic Alliance (DA) leader John Steenhuisen’s recent visit to Ukraine sparked much debate on the internet over what exactly SA’s opposition leader was trying to achieve and why the DA would sanction sending him to Ukraine in the first place?
Qaanitah Hunter writes that Steenhuisen looked more like a pseudo war correspondent as he posted videos to his Twitter account detailing what he had seen in Ukraine.
In one of the videos, a Russian tank can be seen behind Steenhuisen while he stands in the streets of Kyiv – the Ukrainian capital.
Hunter writes that while it is understandable that as the official opposition the DA might want to point out the governing ANC’s hypocrisy in being fence-sitters on the war, it is nothing more than political theatre to see Steenhuisen walking around the streets of Ukraine.
It’s hard to imagine what the DA might achieve from sending Steenhuisen to Ukraine while his party has not done much to solve crime issues plaguing the Cape Flats or play a meaningful role in the KZN flood relief efforts.
Political analyst Daniel Silke believes it is perfectly reasonable for an opposition party to take a different stance on foreign affairs than the governing one and that the impact of the Ukraine-Russia war is so large that every South African political party should have a position.
Fellow politico Ralph Mathekga concurs with Silke and doesn’t believe the visit to Eastern Europe by Steenhuisen will have much sway on the DA support base.
While the Sunday Times Daily writes that on the Ukraine conflict, Steenhuisen chose action, which is more than what President Cyril Ramaphosa chose to do and while the former was touching down in Ukraine, the latter was busy being booed off the stage at a May Day rally in Rustenburg by disgruntled mineworkers.
Here’s a round-up of opinions, editorials, and in-depth articles we’re reading:
In a global village, SA’s spineless stance on Ukraine lacks courage, morality and ubuntu – Daily Maverick
ANC and Ramaphosa’s choice on State Capture report findings — self and party or the good of the country? – Daily Maverick
EDITORIAL: Investigative Directorate must get on with state capture convictions – Business Day
Rumbling against Ramaphosa proves that voters have become a danger to leaders – The Citizen (for subscribers)
CHRIS ROPER: Zuma’s nuclear-powered venality – Financial Mail
Former South African president predicts the end of the ruling party: history is on his side – The Conversation
JEAN PIERRE VERSTER: What Warren Buffett is buying – Financial Mail
