Leon Cook

The Embassy of Iran in South Africa sent a message to the Embassy of Ukraine informing us about the opening of a book of condolences for the deceased ayatollah and his associates. Ukrainian Ambassador Dr. Olexander Scherba sent them a response. Your Excellency, Mr. Ambassador, Since you notified the Embassy of Ukraine of the book of condolences for the deceased Ayatollah Khamenei and Iran’s military leadership, I feel compelled to remind you of the following. As military allies of the Russian Federation, the deceased leaders of Iran had on their hands the blood of thousands of Ukrainian citizens – men and women, children and elderly – killed with the help of the infamous Iran-made “Shahed” drones and other military know-how so eagerly provided to Russia by your government. Your leaders were complicit in bringing endless grief to Ukrainian civilians. Being a person of faith, I try not to rejoice in the death of other people, even those who chose to be tormentors of my country, who did nothing bad to theirs. But as someone who has spent three years to the tune of Iran-created machines of death howling every night in the sky over Kyiv and other peaceful Ukrainian cities, I cannot help but wish for every culprit to meet the justice they deserve. If not by human law, then in the face of God Almighty. Ambassador, I do not know you personally and have no grudge against you. Sometimes, good diplomats must speak for bad leaders and their policies. But I hope you understand that I won’t express condolences for someone whose death I do not mourn. Sincerely, Dr. Olexander Scherba Ambassador

This result must be a wake up call. It’s time to really listen - and to reflect. Voters want the change that we promised - and they voted for. If we want to unrig the system, if we want to make the change we were sent into Government to make, we have to be braver. A labour agenda that puts people first. That’s what all of us across our movement need to rededicate ourselves to this morning.