Premium: Ramaphosa’s explanation of SA’s UN vote – is it leadership or appeasement?

South Africa was roasted, locally and abroad, for refusing to condemn Russia's invasion of Ukraine in last week's United Nations vote. The largely symbolic rebuke went 141-5 against Putin with SA among 35 countries which abstained, one of only a handful of democracies. This took many by surprise after the country had initially issued a strong statement calling on Russian forces to withdraw.

The WSJ's Editorial Board highlighted Pretoria's stance in an Op-Ed which commented: "Notable among the 35 abstainers were Pakistan, India, China, Vietnam, South Africa, Iraq, Iran and Cuba. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who aspires to a leadership role in the world, can take pride in meeting the standards of Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan."

In yesterday's weekly newsletter, SA's president offered an explanation: It is all about promoting peace over conflict. It was classic Ramaphosa. Seeking the inoffensive middle road; finding a way to remain friendly to all. Best to read the text of CR's weekly "Fellow South African" newsletter below and see whether his argument convinces you. On the upside, it's very different from his predecessor, the king of Nkandla, who maintains Putin was "provoked by western bullies".

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