By John Ikani
A heated dispute has erupted over a newly proposed deal granting visa-free access to South Africa for Ukrainian diplomats, causing significant political friction.
The announcement was made by Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber, a member of a different political faction than President Cyril Ramaphosa, who labelled Ukraine as a “valued ally.” However, the presidency has rebuked Schreiber for unveiling the agreement without the president’s official sanction, raising questions about protocol.
Critics argue that the arrangement undermines South Africa’s longstanding relationship with Russia, despite the nation’s official neutrality regarding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Tensions have surfaced between the ruling African National Congress (ANC) and its largest coalition partner, the Democratic Alliance (DA), regarding the approach to Russia.
The ANC, which has held power since apartheid ended three decades ago, lost its majority in the recent May elections and had to align with other political parties. Ramaphosa drew ire from the DA after he referred to Russia as a “valued friend” during a recent BRICS summit in Kazan, contradicting the DA’s stance against the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
“I have signed a historic agreement granting visa-free access to our country for Ukrainian holders of diplomatic, official, and service passports – and vice versa,” Schreiber declared on X. He defended the agreement by recalling Ukraine’s historical support for South Africa in its struggle against apartheid.
In a swift rebuttal, the presidency stated that Schreiber’s proclamation was premature and unauthorized by the president. “It is unclear how the minister can announce the signature of an international agreement without prior formal authorisation to do so,” remarked Vincent Magwenya, spokesperson for Ramaphosa, via X.
On Monday, International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola met with Ukrainian counterpart Andrii Sybiha and clarified that the agreement is not yet finalized. “Once all the diplomatic processes have been concluded, the agreement will be signed, and we will announce once all those processes have been followed,” Lamola said.
Leigh-Ann Mathys, spokesperson for the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), which is outside the ruling coalition, condemned the arrangement as a “betrayal” of South Africa’s solidarity with Russia. Additionally, the newly formed opposition party led by former President Jacob Zuma, uMkhonto weSizwe (MK), has also urged Ramaphosa to reconsider signing the deal.
“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,” stated MK spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela to local media.
