President Jacob Zuma addressing the National Freedom Day celebrations held in Manguzi, uMhlabuyalingana Kwa zulu Natal under the theme “The year of OR Tambo: Together deepening democracy and building safer and crime free communities.27/04/2017 Kopano Tlape GCIS
Zumas support Russia’s invasion of Ukraine – but Ramaphosa wants peace
Russia has received the Zuma family’s support on Ukraine, who’ve take aim at the “West” – as Ramaphosa compares negotiation to apartheid.
President Jacob Zuma addressing the National Freedom Day celebrations held in Manguzi, uMhlabuyalingana Kwa zulu Natal under the theme “The year of OR Tambo: Together deepening democracy and building safer and crime free communities.27/04/2017 Kopano Tlape GCIS
Russia has received a boon of support after the Zuma family took the stance of endorsing Russian President Vladimir Putin, while shunning Ukraine and shading the West.
On Sunday, 6 March, the Jacob Gedleyihlekisa Zuma Foundation voiced their advocation and unity with the former communist nation through spokesperson Mzwanele Manyi – but President Cyril Ramaphosa has called for peaceful negotiations on Monday.
Zuma praises Putin invasion of Ukraine
The first page of the published statement by former president Jacob Zuma on the armed conflict between Russia and Ukraine 
The second page of the published statement by former president Jacob Zuma on the armed conflict between Russia and Ukraine 
The third page of the published statement by former president Jacob Zuma on the armed conflict between Russia and Ukraine
The former president took aim at the “West” as he accused the alleged cabal of influencing his decision to step down as president of the country leaving room for Ramaphosa’s term as of 2019.
“It is known that a challenge against the US would trigger a response to neutralize the opposition,” read the statement.
said Manyi in the statement.
The statement went further to add those nations who supports Ukraine were launching an assault on Brazil, Russia, India, China, and SA (BRICS).
The Zuma twins support Russia
However, his twins Duduzane and Dudu Zuma-Sambudla shared the same sentiments as their father on social media.
In a tweet, she reinforced her father’s stance on the matter
“President Zuma speaks…#IStandWithRussia”
said Zuma-Sambudla
While his son shared a picture of Putin along with an endorsement in Russian – “We believe in you”.
Russia Ukraine armed conflict sparks local hot opinions
This stirred up mixed local opinions over the armed conflict that, according to Reuters, has displaced 1.5 million citizens, 1 800 non-fatal casualties and about 9 100 deaths.
Communications expert and economic commenter, Nick Hedley, considered support from the former president as a red flag that the recipient was in the wrong.
In reply to Duduzane @rickypixel shared the sentiments of the former president that Putin’s downfall would come by the retaliation of the US.
Ramaphosa compares Russia Ukraine negotiations to apartheid
Meanwhile, in his weekly newsletter, President Cyril Ramaphosa, vocalised his thoughts on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine for the first time since the country took the decision to abstain from a United Nations vote to reprimand Russia.
“Our own experience with ending apartheid, and our country’s role in mediating conflict elsewhere on the continent, have yielded insights. Even the most seemingly intractable differences can be resolved at the negotiating table.”
said President Ramaphosa
He remained steadfast in the country’s choice to abstain against reprimanding Russia, however, the decision did not mean an automatic show of support for the armed conflict.
READ MORE: On LIVE coverage of the armed conflict between Russia and Ukraine
