Ukrainians in South Africa discuss advocacy efforts with Foreign Affairs Minister Sybiha

The Ukrainian Association of South Africa (UASA) discussed advocacy for Ukraine during a meeting with Ukrainian Foreign Affairs Minister Andrii Sybiha on Oct. 27, according to the group’s report.

Representing the association was Dzvinka Kachur, UWC Regional Vice President for Africa, co-founder of the Ukrainian Association of South Africa, along with fellow representatives Katy  Aleshyna, Svitlana Sheremet, Lesya Karpenko, and Olya Kononenko. 

The meeting focused on how Ukrainian-South African relations have developed since 2017. Kachur also shared insights about Ukrainian communities across the African continent. 

“The meeting focused on how to advocate for a long-lasting [and] just peace for Ukraine,” the association said.

Sybiha voiced his gratitude to the community, the UWC, and the embassy team for their unity and activism, commending both completed and planned projects. He reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment for “further support for the development of Ukraine’s relations with South Africa and the countries of the African continent in general.”

He continued: “I want you to feel that even though you live outside of Ukraine, you are definitely not outside of our common struggle for freedom, not outside of current processes. On the contrary, your activity is an important bridge when it comes to our friendly bilateral relations with South Africa and other African states.”