"In the fight between the oppressor and the oppressed, choosing not to take sides is taking the side of the oppressor." Archbishop Desmond Tutu

Yet, South Africa chose to abstain from voting on a UN Security Council resolution condemning Russia's invasion. The Russian government has started a war in Ukraine and hundreds of civilians are already dead. South Africa's representative to the UN, Mathu Joyini, said: "We strongly urge all sides to uphold international law, including humanitarian law and human rights law, as well as the principles of the UN Charter, including sovereignty and territorial integrity". She goes on to call for greater dialogue between the two states. There has been dialogue, but only in between Russian bullets being shot at Ukrainian people.

Our government's lack of a stance is a stance. South Africa has economic and political ties to Russia, but we cannot support any attempt to overthrow a democratically elected government. Surely, that is everything we as South Africans stand for? Let us be brave and stand up for what is right. Let us stand up for Ukraine and condemn the Russian government's war. It is time to take the right stance.