Johannesburg – The South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SACCI) on Monday congratulated President Cyril Ramaphosa for leading the African Peace Mission to Ukraine and Russia.
In a communique, the chamber said it notes President Ramaphosa’s important historical trip in leading African leaders on a peace mission to find a resolution to the war in Europe.
“We congratulate President Ramaphosa’s foresight and leadership in putting South Africa and Africa on the global stage in finding solutions in Europe,” the SACCI said.
“Yes, there may well be detractors who would question SA’s involvement in global affairs whilst we have other urgent domestic priorities in SA.
“Some have also naively questioned the costs associated with such a trip and initiative.
“It should, however, be common cause that investing in peace cannot be reduced to a matter of rands and cents.
“The negative economic impact that the war has had and the disruption to the global trade environment cannot be underestimated.”
The SACCI said the 10-point plan presented by President Ramaphosa to both Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and the Russian Federation President Vladimir Putin “was well thought out and presented with humility and diligence”.
The chamber noted that the war has already entangled most of Europe in light of economic and other sanctions and also negatively affected South Africa and the continent given the impact on the price of commodities and the value chain disruptions.
“We congratulate President Ramaphosa’s foresight and leadership in putting South Africa and Africa on the global stage in finding solutions in Europe.
“Yes, there may well be detractors who would question SA’s involvement in global affairs whilst we have other urgent domestic priorities in SA,” said the SACCI.
“‘Some have also naively questioned the costs associated with such a trip and initiative.
“It should, however, be common cause that investing in peace cannot be reduced to a matter of rands and cents.”
The negative economic impact that the war has had and the disruption to the global trade environment cannot be underestimated.
“Doing everything to persuade and engage powers that have an arsenal of nuclear weapons from war and conflict escalation should be an obvious priority that all of us should support,” said the SACCI.
“We urge all South Africans to unite behind the African peace mission and support any initiatives that can bring peace in the Ukraine and other hotspots in the world including the Sudan.
“We wish Mr. Ramaphosa and his African leadership cohort success in this difficult endeavour.”
The SACCI said the fact that the parties to the conflict were willing to even meet with African peace mission leaders is a sign in the right direction, and we hope for future constructive dialogue that will lead to lasting peace.
