Christine Qunta

President Thabo Mbeki turned 81 today. He said something simple but quite profound “tomorrow will be better than today”. May we never lose hope and may we continue to imagine an Africa that contradicts our current reality. #TM81

Today is the 81st birthday of Fmr President Thabo Mbeki, the best leader of SA post 1994. He continues to inspire and motivate us in SA & the continent.

#AfricanPeaceMission President Vladimir Putin delivers the opening remarks followed by interventions from each African Head of State in attendance at the meeting.

#AfricanPeaceMission His Excellency President @CyrilRamaphosa arriving at the National Congress Palace in St. Petersburg, Russia, for the Africa Peace Initiative meeting with HE President Vladimir Putin.

#AfricanPeaceMission African Heads of State and Government arriving for peace talks with President Vladimir Putin taking place at the Marble Hall of the Konstantinovsky Palace in St. Petersburg, Russia.

The way the African delegation has been treated in Ukraine and Poland is uncalled for. They are there for a peaceful resolution, to listen to both parties, and present their ideal solution. In all ramifications, the coalition of leaders seeking a peaceful settlement does not deserve to be treated as such. These are diplomats, stripping them of all protocols is outrageous. South Africans may not be happy with @CyrilRamaphosa's gov't, but treating any President this way is extremely absurd. Even if the diplomatic entourage does not meet/have all requirements, they owed them the least courtesy of checking them into a hotel and seeing to their well-being, while the necessary paperwork is sorted out. They have only succeeded in portraying another outlook of their character to Africans. If nothing is done quickly to settle for peace, the Ukraine-Russian conflict is on a path to a devastating escalation that can affect the world at large. However, let it be on record that the African representative tried, but was not listened to and treated as such. Notwithstanding, I hope African leaders can come together in this formality with a sincere passion to solve ongoing conflicts and issues in Africa, as we see in Ethiopia, Congo, Mali, Sudan, and the rest. Peace. @AdvoBarryRoux @african_stream @News24 @BernieSpofforth #Poland #Ukraine #Africa #Russia #SouthAfrica @eNCA @SciTheComedist

Dear @ClaysonMonyela is the govt going to do anything about the abuse &sabotage by racist Poland against our citizens?

A South African delegation of 100 was detained frisked & questioned in Poland for 3 days-including the “strip searching” of a diplomat. This just ahead of president Ramaphosa’s visit to St. Petersburg. Poland says they had nothing to do with it but that the SA delegates just decided to stay for no reason. If any other country competes with Ukraine as the most racist & fascist it’s Poland but this is clearly also about stopping the president’s team from getting to Russia.

According to Govan Wittles Poland officials strip searched a presidential protection person despite his/her diplomatic passport which is unheard of. If SA government does nothing about these abuses after the trip then it means it accepts its citizens being treated like this.

And US & Europe get surprised when African countries refuse to take sides in their proxy war with Russia. Europe is stuck in a colonial mindset.

The sabotage by Poland & their fellow Europeans of SA delegation’s access to Ukraine & now apparently Russia must be seen in the context of their opposition to peace

It’s also important to remember that both Poland and Hungary are run by white supremacist governments right now. Their actions have to be read in that context.

Update: Our government have been unable secure access to the Hungarian airspace. That is why members of the Presidential Protection Unit along with journalists will not be travelling to Russia.

[JUST-IN] The Polish Government has just informed the Pilots they want to open cargo in the plane and see what’s in there. The PPU Crew came with their tools of trade (weapons) to protect the President in Ukraine. An hour later and no busses have arrived get the passengers. #sabcnews

It is also deliberate sabotage because of Poland’s anti Russia stance. But they are also comfortable doing this because they have no respect for Africans. SA should eject the Polish ambassador

Poland would never do this to any European delegation. We also remember how Ukraine treated African students who were trying to flee when the Russia Ukraine war started. They actively blocked them from leaving Ukraine &Poland refused them entry

President Ramaphosa’s security & SA journalists being held hostage in Poland. Racism is deeply embedded in Europe’s DNA.

It's giving hostage situation manje. 🙆🏽‍♀️

Held against our will here.

We landed at the Warsaw Chopin Airport in Poland at around 13:30 on Thursday. We weren't allowed to disembark. It's now 14:07 on Friday. Can you imagine what it feels like? @SundayTimesZA @TimesLIVE A colleague even said: "I miss loadshedding back home."