Cape Town – South Africans this week reacted to the Department of International Relations (Dirco) statement that called on Russia to “immediately” withdraw its forces from Ukraine.
Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered a “special military operation” in Ukraine on Thursday after formally recognising two breakaway regions in eastern Ukraine, saying that there was a need to demilitarise the country.
The Russian attack on Ukraine killed dozens, as airstrikes hit military installations and ground forces moved in from the north, south, and east of Ukraine.
The conflict between the two countries has drawn international attention, with many countries urging Putin to lay down his weapons and negotiate.
ALSO READ: South Africa tells Russia to ‘immediately’ pull out of Ukraine
On Thursday, Dirco called for a peaceful resolution of the escalating conflict between the countries, particularly calling for Russia to ‘immediately’ pull out of Ukraine.
“South Africa calls on Russia to immediately withdraw its forces from Ukraine in line with the United Nations Charter, which enjoins all member states to settle their international disputes by peaceful means in such a manner that international peace and security, and justice are not endangered,” said Minister Naledi Pandor in a statement.
However, South Africans were not having it. They flocked to social media to express their displeasure, asking the minister which South Africa she was talking about?
Take a look at some of the Twitter reactions
Which South Africa Naledi is talking about, we being defeated by Russian Bear at tarven now you want their army here
— #EFFvsAfriForum (@MakhanyaPBR) February 24, 2022
Naledi Pandor must shut up, haven’t you heard Putin when he said whoever interferes will be immediately be dealt with. Magogo must just keep quiet, South Africa can’t even deport five Zimbabweans a day. What can we tell Russia?#worldwar3
— Man’s NOT Barry Roux (@AdvoBarryRoux) February 24, 2022
Naledi Pandor please be prepared cos I don’t know which South Africa you talking about sis ? pic.twitter.com/2KYjUYQ44k
— Taylor (@KenFerror) February 24, 2022
Gogo Naledi Pandor must remember we take turns using electricity in this country, we can’t be bombed in the dark ? https://t.co/oZjJrvZFJv
— ฿usiwakhoⓂ️ Ndlela (@busiwakho) February 24, 2022
Naledi Pandor must not say anything about Russia and Ukraine… As a country we dealing with lots of things. We can’t interfere on other people’s business…. Vladimir Putin just warned us that whoever interferes will face serious consequences.
— Cellular® (@Cellular_Jnr) February 24, 2022
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Picture: Twitter/ @DIRCO_ZA
Compiled by Sinothando Siyolo
