A contentious agreement to grant visa-free access to Ukrainian diplomats has ignited a fierce debate among South African political parties, highlighting deep divisions in the country’s foreign policy approach.
The announcement, made by Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber of the Democratic Alliance (DA), described Ukraine as a “valued ally” and stated that the deal would allow Ukrainian holders of diplomatic, official and service passports to enter South Africa without a visa.
Schreiber took to microblogging site X on Sunday to defend the agreement, citing Ukraine’s support for South Africa during its apartheid struggle.
“I have signed a historic agreement granting visa-free access to our country for Ukrainian diplomats,” he stated.
However, the presidency quickly criticised Schreiber for making the announcement without formal authorisation from President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya questioned how the minister could announce an international agreement without prior approval.
Critics argue that the agreement undermines South Africa’s historically cozy relations with Russia, especially given the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, which has persisted for over three years.
While South Africa has maintained a neutral stance on the war, the African National Congress (ANC), which has governed the country since the end of apartheid, has expressed strong support for its BRICS partner, Russia.
The ANC’s position has placed it at odds with the DA, the ANC’s largest coalition partner.
Tensions escalated when Ramaphosa referred to Russia as a “valued friend” during last week’s BRICS summit in Kazan, a comment that drew sharp criticism from the DA, which has condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola met with Ukrainian counterpart Andrii Sybiha on Monday and noted afterwards that the agreement had not yet been finalized.
The opposition Economic Freedom Fighters and Umkhonto weSizwe led by former South African president Jacob Zuma, which are not part of the coalition government, condemned the agreement as a “betrayal” of South Africa’s solidarity with Russia.
JN/APA