South Africa government split over Ukraine visa deal

SOUTH AFRICA: A controversial agreement to grant Ukrainian diplomats visa-free access to South Africa has sparked outrage within political circles.

South Africa’s Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber, who is from a different party to the president, announced the deal on Sunday, terming Ukraine a “valued ally”.

But the presidency has criticised Schreiber for announcing the agreement without formal authorisation from President Cyril Ramaphosa.

Critics see the deal as an affront to South Africa’s long-standing relationship with Russia – though the country has remained neutral on the conflict in Ukraine.

The African National Congress (ANC) has sharply differed with the Democratic Alliance (DA), its largest coalition partner, over the country’s relationship with Russia.

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The ANC, which has governed South Africa since the end of apartheid three decades ago, lost its majority in May’s general election, forcing it into a deal with other political parties.

Recently, Ramaphosa angered the DA by calling Russia a “valued friend” during the Brics summit in Kazan. The DA has previously criticised Russia for its 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 posted on X.

The minister defended the decision, highlighting Ukraine’s support of South Africa during its struggle against apartheid.