South Africa Considers Visa-Free Access for Ukrainian Diplomats

Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber, representing a different political party than President Cyril Ramaphosa, announced on Sunday a deal to grant visa-free access to Ukrainian diplomats, labeling Ukraine as a “valued ally.” However, the Presidency quickly clarified that Schreiber acted prematurely, as the announcement had not received Ramaphosa’s official approval.

The African National Congress (ANC), led by Ramaphosa, and Schreiber’s Democratic Alliance (DA) have significant disagreements regarding South Africa’s relationship with Russia. DA leader John Steenhuisen has criticized Ramaphosa for referring to Vladimir Putin as a “valuable ally and friend” during the recent BRICS summit, despite the DA’s prior condemnation of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Vincent Magwenya, Ramaphosa’s spokesperson, emphasized that the president’s acknowledgment of Russia does not imply opposition to any other nation. He stated, “South Africa has also been unwavering in advocating for a peace process [between Moscow and Kyiv] that includes the full participation of both countries.”

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While South Africa maintains a policy of non-alignment, the ANC has deep historical ties with Russia. On Monday, International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola met with his Ukrainian counterpart and noted that the visa agreement between the two nations is still in the process of being finalized.