SA-Ukraine visa agreement in the pipeline since 2020, clarifies Presidency

JOHANNESBURG - The Presidency has clarified that a deal between South Africa and Ukraine about a visa agreement has been in the pipeline since 2020.

On Sunday, Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber announced on social media platform, X, that he signed an historic agreement granting free visa access to diplomatic, official and service passport holders from Ukraine.

His remarks come a week after President Cyril Ramaphosa affirmed that Russia remains the country’s friend and ally.

Ministers aligned with the Democratic Alliance (DA) continue poking the proverbial bear when it comes to the country’s issue of foreign policy.

This despite a statement from their boss in government, President Cyril Ramaphosa, asserting the country’s stance on the matter.

Schreiber has exchanged posts with Ramaphosa's spokesperson over the signing of an agreement to allow for ease of movement between Ukraine and South Africa.

Magwenya publicly questioned Schreiber’s signing of the deal without prior formal authorisation to do so.

He further told EWN that the president was yet to put his signature on the document.

EWN understands that the DA's recent use of social media on varying issues is an attempt to push the African National Congress (ANC) to the table, this with some of its leaders claiming the ANC doesn't consult or discuss key issues with their coalition partner.