South African Government Divided on Ukraine Visa Agreement

A contentious accord to grant Ukrainian diplomatic personnel visa-free entry to South Africa has generated significant controversy within political circles. South Africa’s Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber, who belongs to a different political party than the president, announced the arrangement on Sunday, referring to Ukraine as a “valued ally.” However, the presidency has criticized Schreiber for publicizing the agreement without obtaining formal authorization from President Cyril Ramaphosa. Critics perceive the deal as an affront to South Africa’s enduring ties with Russia, despite the country maintaining a neutral stance on the conflict in Ukraine. The African National Congress (ANC) has expressed strong disagreement with the Democratic Alliance (DA), its largest coalition partner, concerning the nation’s relationship with Russia. The ANC, which has governed South Africa for three decades since the end of apartheid, lost its parliamentary majority in May’s general election, necessitating a coalition with other political parties. Recently, President Ramaphosa caused displeasure among the DA by referring to Russia as a “valued friend” during the Brics summit held in Kazan. The DA has previously voiced criticism of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. “I have signed an historic agreement granting visa-free access to our country for Ukrainian holders of diplomatic, official and service passports – and vice versa,” Schreiber stated in a post on X. The minister defended his decision, emphasizing Ukraine’s support for South Africa during its struggle against apartheid. Nevertheless, the presidency countered, asserting that Schreiber’s announcement was premature as he lacked authorization from the president. “It is unclear how the minister can announce the signature of an international agreement without prior formal authorisation to do so,” Ramaphosa’s spokesperson Vincent Magwenya commented on X. On Monday, International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola hosted his Ukrainian counterpart Andrii Sybiha and indicated that the agreement has not yet been finalized or signed. Lamola added, “Once all the diplomatic processes have been concluded, the agreement will be signed and we will announce once all those processes have been followed.” Leigh-Ann Mathys, spokesperson for the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), a party not part of the coalition government, condemned the deal as a “betrayal” of South Africa’s solidarity with Russia. Former President Jacob Zuma’s nascent opposition party, uMhkonto weSizwe (MK), has also urged Ramaphosa not to endorse the agreement. “The agreement with Ukraine is aimed at facilitating an influx and quasi-evacuation of defeated right-wing Ukrainians to South Africa by the racist pro-white imperialist DA,” MK party spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela informed local media.