President Cyril Ramaphosa’s spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, has accused Home Affairs minister Leon Schreiber of jumping the gun by announcing the South Africa and Ukraine visa agreement.
On Sunday, 27 October, Schreiber announced on X (formerly Twitter) that he has signed a historic agreement granting visa free access to South Africa for Ukrainian holders of diplomatic, official and service passports – and vice versa.
SOUTH AFRICA TO GRANT UKRAINE VISA-FREE ACCESS
Earlier on Sunday, Magwenya confirmed that on Monday, 28 October, South Africa’s International Relations and Cooperation minister Ronald Lamola, will host his Ukrainian counterpart, minister Andrii Sybiha.
Magwenya said amongst the highlights of the visit will be the signing of an Agreement on Visa Waiver for Diplomatic Service or Official Passports.
“This will enable South African officials to travel to Ukraine for peace formula meetings without visa logistical impediments. This development, which has been in the making since 2020, signals South Africa’s commitment to growing diplomatic relations with Ukraine,” Magwenya said.
Schreiber then took to X to make the same announcement.
“We continue to see Ukraine as a valued ally, as a valued friend, who supported us right from the beginning, from the days of our struggle against apartheid, right through to now.
“I look forward to President Ramaphosa adding his signature to this agreement in the coming week, so that we can conclude this important step forward for relations between our two peace-loving nations,” he posted on X.
This comes as Schreiber’s party the Democratic Alliance (DA) called out Ramaphosa for referring to Russian president Vladimir Putin as South Africa’s ally during bilateral talks at the BRICS summit held in Russia last week.
PRESIDENCY CLARIFIES RAMAPHOSA STATEMENT
Following the backlash from the DA, Magwenya clarified that when declaring Putin and the people of Russia as “valuable friends and allies”, Ramaphosa was not projecting any particular country or block of countries as the enemy.
He said similarly, as a country that has no enemies, South Africa regards the members of BRICS as friends and most importantly, it is through the policy of non-alignment that South Africa has been able to constructively engage with both Russia and Ukraine.
“In several engagements, President Ramaphosa has emphasised the centrality of the United Nations Charter and the need for peaceful dialogue in resolving conflict. In the process South Africa has also maintained its strong historical ties with the Russian Federation, whilst enjoying cordial diplomatic bilateral relations with Ukraine.
“South Africa has also been unwavering in advocating for a peace process that includes the full participation of both countries,” he added.
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