South Africa’s zig-zagging response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine appears to be straightening out with President Cyril Ramaphosa increasingly aligned with China’s stance on the issue. After initially condemning Moscow’s incursion, South Africa’s foreign ministry (DIRCO) denounced the Russian attack. 

But things have changed a lot since then and both the Presidency along with the ruling ANC have made it clear that DIRCO’s statement did not represent the consensus view of the government. That sentiment was further articulated on Friday during the President’s call with his Chinese counterpart where he clearly sided with the Chinese — effectively ending any hope that South Africa would join a U.S.-European-led coalition to condemn and sanction Russia.