The Desmond & Leah Tutu Foundation hosted a breakfast for South African journalists in Cape Town with Ukranian member of parliament, Zhan Beleniuk. Beleniuk is also an Olympic champion, born from a Rwandan father and Ukrainian mother.

Beleniuk has urged the South African government to condemn the Russian attack and invasion of Ukraine. He believes because he has African heritage, he is best places to encourage African countries to support the people of Ukraine and to condemn the war.

Phumi Nhlapo, the Chief Operating Officer of the Desmond & Leah Tutu Foundation, says the foundation has condemned the war as they believe the late Archbishop would not have been silent on the issue. South Africa’s government has stated they favour a mediated approach to the war, but have not condemned the actions of the Russians.