The government of national unity (GNU) is grappling with internal tensions following controversial statements made by Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber regarding a visa agreement with Ukraine.
On Sunday, Schreiber claimed he had signed a landmark agreement that would permit Ukrainian holders of diplomatic, official, and service passports to enter South Africa visa-free, and vice versa. However, he acknowledged in his post on X that President Cyril Ramaphosa had not yet endorsed the agreement, drawing criticism for his premature announcement.
In his post, Schreiber stated, “I am honored to announce that, as the Minister of Home Affairs representing South Africa, I have signed a historic agreement granting visa-free access for Ukrainian holders of diplomatic, official, and service passports—and vice versa. We continue to view Ukraine as a valued ally who has supported us since our fight against apartheid. I look forward to President Ramaphosa adding his signature soon, completing this important step forward in our relations.”
The announcement sparked debate online, particularly given Ramaphosa’s earlier comments at the Brics summit in Kazan, Russia, where he referred to Ukraine and its president, Vladimir Putin, as “valuable allies of South Africa.”
Responding to Schreiber’s claims, Vincent Magwenya, spokesperson for President Ramaphosa, stated, “The president has not yet signed the authorization allowing the minister to finalize the agreement with Ukraine. It is unclear how the minister can announce the signing of an international agreement without prior official approval.” Magwenya clarified that negotiations for the agreement began in 2020 and that the signing is scheduled for Monday, October 28.
In a rebuttal, Schreiber expressed confusion over the presidency’s response, noting that the visa waiver topic had been mentioned in earlier statements. “I find it puzzling why the Presidency is confused, given that the same details were discussed in a statement earlier today,” he remarked.
The presidency later confirmed that on October 28, 2024, South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, would host his Ukrainian counterpart, Minister Andrii Sybiha. The visit will include the signing of a Visa Waiver Agreement for Diplomatic and Official Passports, aimed at facilitating travel for South African officials to Ukraine for “peace formula meetings without visa-related barriers.” This development underscores South Africa’s commitment to strengthening diplomatic relations with Ukraine.
