A small group of Ukrainians in Potchefstroom are doing their utmost to support the Ukrainian Army in the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine.
One of these initiatives to spread awareness of the terrible devastation of this war, occurred in Loop Street with a special fundraising event on Sunday, 6 March.
Ukrainian dishes (Borshch – beetroot soup, Varenyky – dumplings, Deruny – potato pancakes) were prepared and served by the local Ukrainian community to raise funds for the Ukrainian Army back home.
Numerous Potchefstroomers attended the event to show their solidarity with Ukraine. They also tucked into the delicious dishes that showcased Ukrainian culture and the proud heritage of its people. Information about the war was also shared among numerous patrons to raise awareness of the current situation in Ukraine.
One of the organisers of the event, Iurii Sushch, an associate professor in astrophysics at the North-West University (NWU), stated the great need for more support and solidarity with Ukraine.
“It’s hard for me to be in South Africa not being able to do much. This event is the least we can do to collect donations, showcase Ukrainian culture and provide information about the war to South Africans. It’s difficult to stay as a Ukrainian in South Africa when the government is not taking a stand in solidarity with Ukraine,” says Sushch, who has been living in Potchefstroom permanently for the past year.
“There was an enquiry to the North-West University to make a statement on the war in Ukraine and they refused without giving any reasons. As Ukrainian employees we are deeply disappointed by this decision. We feel there is a need for South Africans to stand in solidarity with Ukraine. Putin is threatening a nuclear war and it is absolute madness. We need to do everything we can to finish this war as soon as possible,” he added.
He also expressed his enormous gratitude to numerous friends who helped make this event a reality as well as Riaan May, the owner of Loop St and his staff for the use of the venue in hosting this awareness event.
For more questions or enquiries Iurii Sushch can be contacted by email at yusushch@gmail.com.
