The South African government has once again called for a “negotiated diplomatic solution” to the Russian war, saying the socioeconomic cost of the conflict is devastating and its impact will be felt around the world. 

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has entered day 15. On Wednesday afternoon it was reported that a children’s hospital and maternity ward in a southern Ukrainian city was destroyed by a Russian airstrike – at least three people have died.

Briefing the media on the post Cabinet meeting, Minister in the Presidency Mondli Gungubele explained that Cabinet remained deeply concerned by the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

“We are always against conflict that leads to loss of life, even more disrupting when it costs the lives of children. But the question that is always asked, what do we do? This government is led by the President; whenever you enter a conflict of this complexity you always have to ask a question how will our participation as South Africa improve the situation? Because here it’s a conflict underlined by complex factors. Russia would have their reasons, the West would have their views but at the end of the day it actually results in people fighting and dying. How you enter that you must answer the question, how am I improving the situation,” said Gungubele.

He explained that this was one of the reasons why South Africa was avoiding taking any sides in the Russian war.

“So that is why we say we call for peace, we are against the killing of people for whatever reasons. We always believe in negotiated peaceful resolutions. We cannot be comfortable about the bombing of children in Ukraine,” Gungubele said.

Cabinet urged all parties to uphold and protect human rights and to abide by their obligations in terms of international law and international humanitarian law. 

Gungubele said government continues to assist South African citizens in leaving Ukraine and a number of them have since returned home.

He also expressed concern about the ill-treatment of Africans trying to cross international borders during the conflict. 

There have been reports of racism at borders.

“We believe that developing countries must enjoy a greater share of voice and influence in institutions of global governance. South Africa, therefore, advocates for a more equitable international system and for the reform of multilateral institutions to promote greater equality,” he said.

Meanwhile, Western Cape Premier Alan Winde said the provincial cabinet has decided that no Russian Embassy or Consulate official or their staff will be invited to any event or meeting organised by the provincial government.

Gungubele commented on Winde’s statement saying the government does not have the power to prevail over who the Democratic Alliance (DA) wants to meet with.

“When it comes to the Western Cape, we have expressed the position of South Africa in the Russian war that we are not intended to take any sides, but I don’t think we have the power to prevail over who the DA wants to meet and who they don’t want to meet, that is beyond our control. But as a country we have articulated the position of the country a lot and we are comfortable with that,” he said.