This week, Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelensky touched down in South Africa to meet President Cyril Ramaphosa, wearing exactly the same outfit he wore to the White House to engage with President Donald Trump.
But unlike the somewhat rude reception of his semi-casual attire in the US, South Africans were full of praise for the man who had shunned wearing a suit.
Zelensky was in the country to forge diplomatic relations. This comes amid a tense standoff between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
SOUTH AFRICANS PRAISE ZELENSKY’S CASUAL OUTFIT
In a video clip posted on Athi Geleba’s TikTok, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was seen walking alongside President Cyril Ramaphosa outside the Union Buildings in Pretoria.
Ramaphosa donned a navy suit, red tie, and a pin bearing the South African flag. Zelensky, known for his casual clothing, wore an all-black look consisting of a buttoned-down shirt and chinos.
On his shirt was a three-pronged spear, which is visible on its coat of arms and is a national symbol of Ukraine. The outfit was nearly identical to the one Zelensky wore to the White House last month.
However, instead of being scolded for “disrespecting” the unofficial dress code, the 47-year-old leader of the war-torn country was praised by South Africans for “not conforming” to “Western standards”.
A few comments under the post read:
“Neither did Madiba [Nelson Mandela]… and I love it. To me, a suit is really not necessary. I think he is cool.”
“He doesn’t believe leadership equates to a suit. He’s just an ordinary guy with his own style.”
“Suits don’t build character.”
WHY DOES HE NEVER WEAR A SUIT?
President Zelensky has previously spoken of his decision to shun formal attire amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
He is often spotted wearing military regalia in public in “solidarity” with those fighting to protect his country.
When asked why he “disrespected” the White House’s dress code last month, Zelensky responded, “Do you have a problem?”.
Toe agitated leader added: “I will wear a (suit) costume after this war finishes, yes. Maybe something like yours, yes, maybe something better. I don’t know, we will see. Maybe something cheaper. Thank you”.
DO YOU THINK ZELENSKY’S DRESS CODE IS ACCEPTABLE?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
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