President Putin
By Natalie Naidoo
South Africa has made it clear: if Russian President Vladimir Putin steps foot in Johannesburg for the G20 Leaders’ Summit this November, he will be arrested. The warning comes from DIRCO Director-General Zane Dangor, speaking at the close of the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting at Nasrec on Friday. Putin’s decision to skip the event stems from an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant issued against him in March 2023 for war crimes tied to the Ukraine conflict. “When South Africa hosted the BRICS Summit, President Putin did not attend,” Dangor told reporters, cementing the country’s stance on upholding international law – even as it balances tricky diplomatic ties.
A Summit Without Putin: The ICC Factor
The news broke this week: Putin won’t be joining world leaders at the G20 Summit set for November 2025 in Johannesburg. It’s not a choice born of convenience but one forced by a legal shadow that’s followed him since the ICC pointed the finger at him nearly two years ago. The court accuses Putin of war crimes, specifically “the unlawful deportation of children from Ukraine” – a charge that carries weight for South Africa, an ICC member state bound to act on such warrants.
Dangor, South Africa’s G20 Sherpa, laid it out plain and simple at Nasrec on Friday, 21 February. “There was an arrest warrant for Putin in South Africa, and he did not attend,” he said, recalling the 2023 BRICS Summit. That event saw Putin dial in via video from Moscow while President Cyril Ramaphosa hosted the rest in person. Now, with the G20 looming, history looks set to repeat itself. “All state parties are obligated to act when an arrest warrant is issued and they are called upon to enforce it,” Dangor added, shutting down any wiggle room.
For South Africans, it’s a big moment. Hosting the G20 is a chance to shine on the world stage, but Putin’s absence – and the reason behind it – has sparked a mix of pride, debate, and unease across the country.
Why Putin’s Staying Away: The ICC Warrant Explained
The ICC’s move in March 2023 wasn’t small potatoes. It pinned Putin as “individually responsible” for the forced transfer of Ukrainian children – thousands allegedly taken from their homes amid Russia’s invasion. The warrant, backed by evidence of abductions to Russia and occupied zones, turned Putin into a global fugitive overnight. For ICC members like South Africa, that means one thing: arrest him if he shows up.
News24 reported on 21 February 2025 that DIRCO confirmed Putin’s no-show at the G20 Leaders’ Summit, citing the warrant. It’s a repeat of 2023, when South Africa dodged a diplomatic headache by not hosting him at BRICS. “The only matter raised was a request for clarity from the ICC under Article 97 consultations—specifically, whether the arrest warrant process was complete and if Article 98 had been complied with,” Dangor explained. Back then, Article 98 – which deals with diplomatic immunity – was a hot topic. Some argued it could shield Putin. But Dangor was firm: “Our consultations have clarified that Article 98 no longer applies as it was previously interpreted.”
The shift matters. In 2023, South Africa wrestled with its ICC duties versus its BRICS friendship with Russia. Now, with clarity from The Hague and a G20 spotlight, the scales have tipped toward justice – at least on paper.
South Africa’s Tough Call: Law vs Loyalty
South Africa’s stance isn’t just about legal jargon – it’s personal for a country that’s walked a tightrope between East and West. As a BRICS member alongside Russia, China, and India, Pretoria’s long pushed a “non-aligned” vibe. Joint naval drills with Russia in 2023 raised eyebrows, and Putin’s chummy chats with Ramaphosa at the Kazan BRICS Summit last year didn’t help. Yet, as an ICC signatory since 1998, South Africa’s tied to a higher calling.
Dangor’s words at Nasrec echoed that bind. “Some previously sought to invoke Article 98, despite disagreeing with it,” he said, hinting at past debates. In 2023, the government flirted with dodging the warrant via legal loopholes or even pulling out of the ICC altogether. But public outcry and court rulings – like the 2015 fiasco over Sudan’s Omar al-Bashir – kept them honest. “Once confirmed, we could ensure that his absence did not breach international customary law,” Dangor noted, nodding to the Justice Minister’s role back then.
For locals, it’s a bittersweet win. “I’m proud we’re sticking to the law, but it’s awkward with Russia,” said Soweto shopkeeper Maria Phiri. “They’re our BRICS mates – what now?”
X Weighs In: Cheers, Jeers, and Jokes
The story blew up on X, where South Africans and beyond dissected Dangor’s stance. “Russia’s Putin to skip G20 Summit due to ICC arrest warrant, says DIRCO,” posted @AugustusConsult on 21 February, racking up shares. @ECR_Newswatch chimed in: “Putin to skip G20 summit in SA due to ICC arrest warrant,” linking to a photo of a grim-faced Lavrov at Nasrec. Sentiment split fast.
Some cheered. “Good on SA for holding the line,” wrote one user. “Justice over politics!” Others saw pragmatism. “Makes sense, Putin doesn’t want to test SA’s hand,” posted @lungi_love22, suggesting he’s sparing an ally the trouble. Then there were the jabs. “No Putin, no photo, no drama – SA’s G20 off to a smooth start,” quipped another, tying it to the ministers’ meeting photo flop.
EFF leader Julius Malema didn’t hold back either. “If Putin comes, arrest him!” he roared at a rally on Saturday, 22 February, per IOL. “We can’t pick and choose justice – the ICC isn’t a toy.” Malema’s fire matched his party’s push to nab Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu over Gaza warrants, showing a rare consistency in his global justice playbook.
A Human Cost: The Children of Ukraine
Behind the headlines lies a raw truth: kids caught in war. The ICC says Putin oversaw the deportation of at least 19,000 Ukrainian children since 2022 – some adopted out, others sent to “re-education” camps. Kyiv Independent reported in December 2024 that many remain untraced, their families shattered. “They took my son from school,” sobbed Olena, a Ukrainian mom, in a BBC interview last year. “I don’t know if he’s alive.”
For South Africans, it hits home. “We know what it’s like to lose kids to systems that don’t care,” said Thandi Mokoena, a Joburg teacher who lived through apartheid. “If Putin did this, he must face it.” The ICC’s warrant isn’t just a paper chase – it’s a cry for those voices, amplified by South Africa’s stand.
The G20 Stage: What’s at Stake for SA
South Africa took the G20 helm on 1 December 2024, promising “Solidarity, Equality, and Sustainability.” The Nasrec ministers’ meeting was a warm-up, tackling debt, climate, and conflict – including Ukraine. IOL noted on 21 February that Minister Ronald Lamola hailed a “consensus” on justice for global hotspots. But Putin’s absence from November’s summit casts a shadow.
“It’s a chance to lead, not stumble,” said analyst Dr Sipho Dlamini. “Arresting Putin would’ve been a bold move, but him staying away still shows we mean business.” Economically, the G20 could bring trade wins – vital for a country with 34% unemployment. “We need deals, not drama,” said Pretoria vendor Sipho Ngcobo. “Putin or not, let’s eat.”
The photo flop at Nasrec – blamed on “logistical delays” by Dangor – added a lighter twist. “No time for pics, just work,” he laughed on Friday. It’s a small echo of November’s bigger test: can SA keep the focus on action, not absences?
🔴 Central News Special Edition | Issue 94 🔴 Download the Latest Print and E-Edition | Headline: “I am a proud International criminal,
Malema Fires back at Musk and Trump”
Download Here:
Direct PDF Link:
https://centralnews.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Central-News-Issue-094.pdf
Read all our publications on magzter:
Central News also offers Sponsored Editorial Content, Podcasts , Radio / Social Media Simulcast, Video Production , Live Streaming Services, Press Conferences, and Paid Interviews (Video/Audio) etc.
We guarantee exceptional exposure, reach, and engagement, with an excellent return on investment.
Advertisement:
To place your advert on our platforms (Print Newspaper or Digital Platforms) : Please email : sales@centralnews.co.za
For Business Related:
business@centralnews.co.za
Newsroom:
Send your Stories / Media Statements To: newsroom@centralnews.co.za
General Info:
info@centralnews.co.za
Office Administrator:
admin@centralnews.co.za
Whatsapp / Call: 081 495 5487
Website: https://www.centralnews.co.za
Social Media Platforms (@centralnewsza) : Linkedin, Facebook, Tiktok, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube