South Africa's Visa Agreement with Ukraine Sparks Controversy

A public dispute has emerged within South Africa's Government of National Unity (GNU) over a newly announced visa-free agreement for Ukrainian diplomatic passport holders, initiated by Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber. Schreiber emphasized Ukraine's historical support during South Africa's apartheid struggle, framing the agreement as a step towards strengthening diplomatic ties. However, President Cyril Ramaphosa's spokesperson questioned the legitimacy of Schreiber's announcement, stating it lacked formal presidential authorization. The Democratic Alliance (DA) supports the agreement, viewing it as a stance for democracy and human rights, while the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) condemned it, claiming it undermines South Africa's long-standing alliance with Russia and aligns with Western imperialist interests. The EFF has characterized the Ukrainian government as a 'Neo-Nazi regime' and expressed concerns about potential foreign intelligence activities linked to NATO. The internal discord reflects broader tensions within the ruling coalition regarding foreign policy direction and alliances.