Russia-Ukraine: Why South Africans are 'begging' Putin to ignore their govt's stance

Russian President Vladimir Putin

South Africans are having a fun time over Russia-Ukraine war

They have warned their government to stay off the matter

The government is calling for cessation of hostilities

South Africa is among a handful of African countries to publicly comment on the Russia-Ukraine crisis.

The government issued a statement advising against an armed confrontation calling on parties to resort to diplomacy.

“All parties have much to gain from a negotiated outcome and much to lose from an unnecessary and violent conflict,” the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, said on Wednesday.

Hours after the statement, the Russian President, Vladimir Putin, ordered a military operation in Ukraine much to the chagrin of most countries around the world.

South Africans on social media platform, Twitter, are having fun over a matter that Ukraine and allies are fuming about.

They are literally begging Vladimir Putin to dismiss the statement by their Minister ostensibly to avoid attracting the wrath of Russia.

Tweeps have described her as a Zimbabwean who 'doesn't know who she is messing with.' Others are posting a video in which Putin is issuing a warning to mock the Minister.

Memes by way of photos, videos and GIFs abound on why South Africa must stay off the issue.

Find some related tweets below:




I stand with Russia ????????, Putin is right and that Naledi Pandor doesn't represent me, i will always sides with BRICS countries against colonists ✊✊✊✊✊ pic.twitter.com/mGwfwRqqIV— Mjojantaba???????? (@InevitableVult1) February 25, 2022




Naledi Pandor must shut up, haven't you heard Putin when he said whoever interferes will be immediately be dealt with. Magogo must just keep quiet, South Africa can't even deport five Zimbabweans a day. What can we tell Russia?#worldwar3— Man’s NOT Barry Roux  (@AdvoBarryRoux) February 24, 2022




His Excellency President Vladimir Putin, please ignore Ms Naledi Pandor and remember the precious moments you shared with Ms. Lindiwe Sisulu.#UkraineRussiaConflict
Ukraine | Which South Africa pic.twitter.com/21CfACWGTF— Anelisa Jordaan ???????? (@AnelisaJordaan) February 24, 2022




Dear Vladimir Putin

I hope this letter finds u in good health. On Behalf of South Africa I would like to distance ourselves from Naledi Pandor’s statement on Russia & Ukraine conflict. Naledi is from Zimbabwe. Her real surname is Pumba, not Pandor. #worldwar3

Sincerely Your Boy pic.twitter.com/sgitEAV9LQ— Man’s NOT Barry Roux  (@AdvoBarryRoux) February 24, 2022




Which South Africa is Naledi Pandor talking about...has she see Putin's warning ????#UkraineRussiaCrisis
pic.twitter.com/tDgbw5f1x2— Peché Africa???????? (@peche_africa) February 24, 2022




Dear Putin, This is South Africans on Naledi Pandor, She's speaking on Her behalf ???? pic.twitter.com/LvY6TpnnQh— TshidisoFeela???????? (@TshidisoFeela) February 24, 2022




Naledi Pandor should just Shut up

And stay away from Russia and Ukraine Conflict she wants to get us killed.

She wants the smoke Knowing very well that South Africa is Defenceless...our SADF will kill us first before Putin gets here

pic.twitter.com/seivWXpFpb— EMMANUEL KING (@IsMeEmmanuel) February 24, 2022



South Africa has urged all parties to devote increased efforts to diplomacy and to find a solution that will help de-escalate tensions and avert armed conflict - this was hours before Putin ordered an invasion.