Ukraine and SA are fighting the same war
MJust as the fight against the racist structures embedded within South African society is a centuries-long battle, our struggle against Russian and Soviet domination has spanned generations
y visit to SA has allowed me to find much common ground with South Africans. Our art exhibition, Womanly Face of War, showcases works created by Ukrainian women artists since the invasion by Russia on February 24. The artworks have inspired profound discussions with South African women about the trials of women and girls in wartime conditions.
I was honoured to appear on a panel in Sophiatown with Annah Moyo-Kupeta, executive director of the Centre for the Study of Violence and Reconciliation. Referring to the conflict-related sexual violence suffered by women in countries such as South Sudan and Sudan, she said: “Africa can stand in solidarity with Ukraine because we are experiencing these violations as well on the African continent. Women are suffering these violations at a scale that has not been told … What has been reported is only the tip of the iceberg.”
The same is true of the conflict-related sexual violence suffered by Ukrainian women at the hands of Russian soldiers: we still don’t know the full story.
I was speechless at the stirring words of academic and activist Mamphela Ramphele, with whom I appeared during the panel discussion that launched our exhibit at the Desmond and Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation in Cape Town.
“I cannot be human if I don’t care about what is happening in Ukraine,” she said. “And so we are grateful that ... despite our government embarrassing us with their total, unforgivable way of dealing with the pain of injustice, they indicate just how quickly they have forgotten that we would not be free today had the world, the progressive world, not stood in solidarity with us. Those of us who remember where we come from will always stand with you.”
Since the Russia invasion, we Ukrainians have had no choice but to put our lives at risk to defend human dignity and freedom. We ask all who value human dignity and freedom to stand in solidarity with us and those who have sacrificed their lives for those principles. I know many South Africans feel their history demands of them to be an essential part of that coalition.
Just as the fight against the racist structures embedded within South African society is a centuries-long battle, our struggle against Russian and Soviet domination has spanned generations. Not many know that the first act to prohibit the Ukrainian language came from a Russian tsar as early as 1627. In 1763 the Ukrainian language was banned in Ukrainian universities and in 1876 in print. The destruction of Ukrainian identity continued in Soviet times.
I have found that Ukrainians and South Africans are united by a spirit of resistance to tyranny that transcends the day-to-day political debate.
Many South Africans I have spoken to are imbued with an anti-colonial spirit that recognises Ukrainians as kindred souls in the freedom struggle.
And I have learnt from South Africans, who know better than anyone the importance of being vocal and active in the fight for justice and peace.
I learnt much about the creative ways South Africans stood up against apartheid, ensuring the entire world experienced the character of your protest.
Tutu’s famous line is often cited: “If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor.”
But I find I like the next line even better. “If an elephant has its foot on the tail of a mouse and you say you are neutral, the mouse will not appreciate your neutrality.”