These are locations and initiatives in South Africa that hold special connections to Ukraine.
They symbolise a cultural link and historical ties between the two nations. These spaces serve as reminders of freedom, resilience and heritage.
Today the Ukrainian places enrich South Africa by fostering dialogue and building bridges between Ukrainians and South Africans.
Mural “Khersones Lighthouse” By T. Hurn and O. Nikituk at the Strand Street Cape Town.
Created by Ukrainian artists Tetiana Hurn Art & Alexsandr Nikituk in 2019. Painted as symbol of guidance and cultural memory, the mural connects Ukraine and South Africa through shared stories of the sea and migration, while honouring the enduring light of Ukrainian heritage far from home.
Location: the corner of Strand Street and Loop Street, Cape Town CBD.
Ukrainian museum at Riversdale.
This museum was opened in 2010 where you can see Ukrainian traditional clothing, cultural artifacts and mural from Crimea that represent Ukraine-South African cooperation between Hessequa and Voznesensk Municipalities.
Location: Ha!Qua Youth Center based at Hessequa Ward 8, Môrestond, Riversdale, Hessequa Local Municipality.
Holodomor Memorial Bench at the De Wall Park.
This bench is dedicated to the victims of the Holodomor in Ukraine and genocides on the African continent. Established in 2021 at Frans de Waal.
Location: De Waal Park, Molteno Road, CBD, Cape Town.
Ukrainian Bookshelf at the Central Library Cape Town.
One of the best collections of books on Ukraine, that includes English-language books and some in Ukrainian language by Ukrainian authors and topics about Ukraine. Established in 2023.
Location: 1 Parade Street, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town.
Mural “Treasure of Africa” at Woodstock Cape Town.
Painted by Ukrainian art duo Interesni Kazki in 2017. Mural portrays Africa as a land of immense cultural and natural wealth. The artist capture both the vibrancy and complexity of the African continent, paying tribute to its deep heritage and creative spirit.
Location: 4 Salt River Road, Woodstock, Cape Town, South Africa.
Mural “Black or White?” at Woodstock Cape Town.
Created by AEC (Interesni Kazki) in 2017. Mural explores themes of duality, choice, and balance. It reflects on the tensions and harmony between opposing forces, inviting viewers to consider perspective, morality, and the grey spaces in between.
Location: at the end of Beach Road, near the Woodstock Exchange, Cape Town, South Africa.
Boris Balinsky Plate & Laboratory at Wits University.
There is a plate dedicated to Ukrainian-South African researcher Boris Balinsky and other renowned researchers at Wits – University of the Witwatersrand. Established in 2024.
Location: 1 Jan Smuts Ave, Braamfontein, Johannesburg.
Memorial Plaque for H. Udovenko and V. Kravets at Freedom Park.
In 2014 at the Ukrainian section on the Wall of Memory at the Freedom Park Pretoria, the first memorial plaque was unveiled dedicated to Hennadii Udovenko.
Location: Corner Koch and 7th Avenue, Salvokop, Pretoria.
Sculpture “In Search of a Lost Home” by S. Petlyuk at Nirox Park.
Created by Sergiy Petlyuk and dedicated to the Ukrainian forcibly deported children, titled “In Search of a Lost Home, 2024” at the Nirox Sculpture Park of the Nirox Foundation.
Location: R540 Kromdraai Road, Kromdraai, Krugersdorp, 1739.
Ukrainian Bookshelf at the National Library Pretoria.
The donation from the Embassy of Ukraine to South Africa includes children’s stories, fiction, academic works, and books on art and culture, aiming to foster cultural exchange and promote understanding between the two nations. Opened in 2025.
Location: 228 Johannes Ramokhoase Street, Pretoria Central, Pretoria.
Mural “Protective Magic” in Johannesburg.
In 2013 done by Ukrainian duo Interesni Kazki is a symbolist interpretation of the city and people of Johannesburg.
Location: 293 Fox Street, Johannesburg
Embassy of Ukraine to South Africa in Pretoria.
It offers consular services such as, visas, passport renewal and notarial matters, and represents Ukraine’s interests in South Africa.
Location: 398 Marais Street, Brooklyn, Pretoria.
“Mazeppa Street” in Durban.
This street was established in the 19th century and named after the schooner Mazeppa, which in turn was named after Ukrainian Hetman Ivan Mazeppa, linking Durban’s history to both maritime heritage and Ukrainian literature.
Location: Point area of Central Durban
Mazeppa Information Sign at the Mazeppa Bay.
Unveiled in 2025 Mazeppa information sign connects a schooner Mazeppa, that once arrived at this wild coast and the Ukrainian Hetman Ivan Mazeppa. This sign represents a symbol of freedom, independence and resilience.
Location: 1 Main Road, Mazeppa Bay, by The Hotel Mazeppa Bay, Eastern Cape.
