Several African leaders plan to embark on a peace mission to Ukraine and Russia to resolve the conflict between the two nations.

President Cyril Ramaphosa says that he floated the idea of this peace mission to President Vladimir Putin, and President Volodymyr Zelensky over the weekend.

Both nations have expressed their willingness to receive the delegation.

Several African nations have been impacted by the conflict, mostly affecting food security.

Meanwhile, International Relations Minister Naledi Pandor says that a serious crime would have been committed if the claims that arms were loaded on to the Russian ship, Lady R in December are true.

She was speaking as an investigation is underway to determine whether South Africa had sent arms to Russia.

The claims were made by US ambassador to South Africa, Reuben Brigety on Thursday.

While he has apologized for the manner in which he aired the allegations, he has not retracted the claim.

The revelation, however, sent diplomatic relations with the US into a tailspin, even impacting the strength of the Rand.

The outrage comes as the US is engaged in a proxy war with Russia by sending arms to Ukraine.

But South Africa maintains that it will not take sides in the conflict.