Minister Leon Amos Schreiber's visa-free access agreement with Ukraine ignites political debate in South Africa, revealing sharp divisions in public opinion and foreign policy alignment.Photographer Ayanda Ndamane/ Independent Newspapers
The latest announcement by Minister of Home Affairs Leon Schreiber of the Democratic Alliance (DA), which outlines an agreement for visa-free access between South Africa and Ukraine for holders of diplomatic, official, and service passports, has sparked mixed reactions among South African citizens and political parties.
In a statement posted on X, Schreiber highlighted Ukraine’s historical support for South Africa during the fight against apartheid, a time when Black South Africans were systematically discriminated against by law.
Schreiber emphasised that the visa-free agreement is intended to strengthen the relationship between South Africa and Ukraine, fostering trust, respect, and collaboration between the two nations.
As expected, the DA welcomed Schreiber's announcement, viewing the visa-free agreement as a positive step for South African diplomacy.
They argue that this move supports Ukraine’s right to sovereignty and stands in contrast to the ANC's alignment with Russia and Vladimir Putin, whom the DA accused of violating international law.
The party emphasised that this agreement aligns with South Africa’s commitment to democracy and human rights, stating that it will "strengthen our diplomatic arm to promote peace and stability, and a respect for state sovereignty around the world."
The DA expressed support for Ukraine, underscoring South Africa’s commitment to recognising countries that stood against apartheid.
They stated that South Africa should welcome Ukrainians in a spirit of peace and stability, while reinforcing its role as a leader in democracy and human rights on the African continent.
However, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) condemned the decision, criticising the DA's move as a betrayal of South Africa's alliance with Russia.
The EFF accused the DA of aligning with Western imperialist and Zionist interests, which they claim threaten national sovereignty and South Africa's anti-imperialist stance. In a statement, the EFF remarked:
"We characterise the signing of an agreement granting visa-free access for the representatives and operatives of a Neo-Nazi regime of Ukraine as the ultimate betrayal of our strong solidarity with the Russian Federation."
The EFF also criticised Schreiber personally, referring to him as "white privileged" and accusing him of being disconnected from South Africa’s anti-imperialist allies. They stated:
"The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) notes the announcement by the white privileged Democratic Alliance (DA) Minister of Home Affairs... that he has signed an agreement granting visa-free access to South Africa for Ukrainian holders of diplomatic, official, and service passports."
The public response has been divided, with many South Africans taking to X to voice their concerns. One user, @MoyaProf, expressed disapproval, stating:
"You must be drunk now, when did Ukraine support us with the struggle against apartheid? You are opening up our borders to terrorists. The ANC should hang in shame for defying the efforts of our freedom fighters. This is a clear spit in the face of all of us."
Another user, @visse_ss, criticised the agreement as reckless:
"Minister Schreiber, this is a reckless move. Who decided that South Africa is suddenly allied with Ukraine? Granting visa-free access to Ukraine without public consultation or a clear national interest makes no sense. Whoever thought it was a good idea to give the DA control over Home Affairs needs to reconsider... We need responsible leadership, not risky foreign policy shifts that don’t reflect the will of the people."
The visa-free agreement has thus revealed deep divisions within South African politics, with some viewing it as a step toward strengthening diplomatic ties and others as an undermining of long-standing alliances and principles.
The decision has sparked a broader debate on South Africa’s foreign policy alignment and its commitment to historical allies like Russia.
IOL