By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber announced that he signed an historic agreement granting free visa access to diplomatic, official and service passport holders from Ukraine.
Schreiber made the announcement on social media platform X on Sunday evening.
“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 Ukrainian holders of diplomatic, official and service passports – and vice versa,” the minister wrote.
“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 (Cyril) 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,” Schreiber posted.
The ANC and the DA, who are partners in the government of national unity (GNU), have been at odds after Ramaphosa affirmed that Russia remained an “ally and friend” to SA while attending the Brics+ summit last week.
Ramaphosa’s spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, said negotiations between the two countries started in 2020, five years before Schreiber started his tenure.
“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,” said Magwenya in response to Schreiber.
On Monday, international relations and co-operation minister Ronald Lamola will meet his Ukrainian counterpart, Andrii Sybiha, for the signing of the agreement.
“This will enable SA officials to travel to Ukraine for peace formula meetings without visa logistical impediments. This development, which has been in the making since 2020, signals SA’s commitment to growing diplomatic relations with Ukraine,” Magwenya said.
Meanwhile Ramaphosa has sought to allay fears of those sympathetic to the West after his comments reaffirming Russia as a “time-tested friend and ally.”
Ramaphosa emphasized the importance of the UN Charter and the need for peaceful dialogue in resolving conflicts. While South Africa has strong historical ties with Russia, it also fosters diplomatic relations with Ukraine, demonstrating its commitment to a peace process that involves both nations.
“South Africa will maintain a foreign policy that is informed by solidarity, peace, equality, human rights and sustainable development for the benefit of all. This is the responsibility that Ramaphosa will continue to exercise without any undue pressure and in line with South Africa’s national sovereign interest,” read the statement.