By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) leader John Steenhuisen said on Saturday, President Cyril Ramaphosa must be held accountable for the millions of rand in taxpayer funds wasted on his failed Ukraine-Russia peacekeeping initiative.
In a statement on Saturday, Steenhuisen called Ramaphosa’s diplomatic trip to Ukraine and Russia a disgrace.
“Not only did the Presidency lie about being unaware of missile strikes on Kyiv while Ramaphosa’s so-called peace mission was in town, but his administration’s sheer incompetence caused a planeload full of his bodyguards, journalists and apparently unauthorised weapons to be denied entry to both Poland and Ukraine.
The Kyiv Post, an English-language newspaper in Ukraine, has come out swinging after presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya claimed he saw no evidence of a Russian missile attack on Kyiv on Friday.
In an article titled ‘Biggest liar in the world’: South African spokesperson slammed over Kyiv air raid denials, the publication said Ramaphosa was one of the many to acknowledge reports of a missile strike.
The African leaders are seeking agreement on a series of “confidence-building measures” even as Ukraine last week began a counteroffensive to push back Russian forces from Ukrainian territory they occupy.
“Cyril Ramaphosa must be held accountable for the millions of rands in taxpayer funds wasted on his failed PR stunt,” Steenhuisen said.
He said he would be writing a series of questions to be answered, such as the full cost of the trip, a detailed breakdown of the security detail accompanying the president, as well as the total cost to the South African taxpayer.
Steenhuisen said he would also want to know from Ramaphosa where he stood with the cries of racism levelled at Polish authorities by his security chief, Wally Rhoode.
He said he would also send questions to Minister of Police Bheki Cele, to determine what ammunition and other materials were sourced and loaded onto the aircraft, as well as the cost of all materials.
“It appears that Ramaphosa’s ill-fated aeroplane did not have authorisation to enter the airspace of various countries, while dangerous and undeclared weapons and goods may also have been on board.
“Covering up its own incompetence by shouting ‘racism’ is something the ANC is used to at home. But on the global stage, it will simply hasten our country’s return to a pariah state.”
African countries have been divided over their response to the conflict, with some siding with Ukraine, while others have remained neutral or gravitated towards Moscow.