SA-Ukraine visa agreement in the pipeline since 2020, clarifies Presidency
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.
Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya briefs the media. Picture: GCIS
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.
I am honoured to announce that, in my capacity as Minister of Home Affairs representing the Republic of South Africa, I have signed an historic agreement granting visa free access to our country for Ukranian holders of diplomatic, official and service passports - and vice versa.…
— Leon Schreiber (@Leon_Schreib) October 27, 2024
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.
The President is yet to sign the minute authorising the Minister to sign the agreement with Ukraine. It is unclear how the Minister can announce signature of an international agreement without prior formal authorisation to do so. https://t.co/5dQ9WUcwKr
— Vincent Magwenya 🇿🇦 (@SpokespersonRSA) October 27, 2024
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.