By Thabo Mosia
On 28 October 2024, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) issued a statement condemning South Africa’s Democratic Alliance (DA) Minister of Home Affairs, Leon Schreiber, for signing a “visa-free access” agreement with Ukraine. This agreement, which allows Ukrainian diplomatic, official, and service passport holders entry to South Africa without a visa, was described by the EFF as a betrayal of South Africa’s historical ties with Russia, a key ally.
EFF’s Response and Allegations
The EFF firmly rejected the visa-free arrangement, characterising it as a move that disregards South Africa’s alliances and values. According to the EFF, this decision contradicts South Africa’s solidarity with Russia, especially given Russia’s support during the anti-apartheid struggle and both nations’ roles as founding members of BRICS. The EFF labelled Ukraine’s government as a “Neo-Nazi regime” and accused the DA of attempting to align South Africa with Euro-Western imperialist interests. The EFF criticised Schreiber’s decision as pandering to NATO’s geopolitical agenda, which they claim seeks to undermine Russia’s sovereignty through strategic encirclement.
Historical Ties with Russia and Anti-Imperialist Position
South Africa’s longstanding relationship with Russia is rooted in shared anti-colonial and anti-imperialist values. The EFF argued that, given this history, the visa-free agreement with Ukraine represents a shift away from these principles. The party emphasised the significance of BRICS as a counterforce to Western influence and highlighted that South Africa’s allegiance to Russia aligns with broader anti-imperialist goals. The EFF expressed concern that the visa agreement could compromise South Africa’s independence and undermine its position within BRICS.
Dispute Over Presidential Approval
Following Schreiber’s announcement, Presidential Spokesperson Vincent Magwenya clarified that President Cyril Ramaphosa had not yet signed the authorisation required to formalise the agreement. Magwenya stated that the agreement must comply with Section 231 of the South African Constitution, which mandates presidential approval for binding international agreements. This procedural requirement cast uncertainty on the visa waiver’s validity and suggested a potential misalignment within government ranks. Magwenya’s response indicated that Schreiber’s announcement may have been premature, and the final decision ultimately rests with the President.
Internal Governmental Tensions
The incident reflects broader political tensions within South Africa’s coalition government, with differing views on foreign policy evident among various factions. The DA, a pro-Western party, views Ukraine as an important diplomatic ally, while the EFF remains committed to supporting Russia. This internal conflict raises questions about the coherence of South Africa’s foreign policy and the government’s capacity to manage ideological divisions while representing South Africa on the global stage.
EFF’s Call to Reject the Agreement
In its statement, the EFF called on all South Africans to reject the visa-free agreement, warning that it could open “floodgates” for foreign intelligence operatives to operate against Russia from South African soil. The party accused the DA of attempting to transform South Africa into a “Zionist and Neo-Nazi” stronghold aligned with Euro-Western imperialism. The EFF’s rhetoric underscores its opposition to any agreements that it perceives as undermining South Africa’s alliances with Russia and other BRICS nations.
Concerns Over NATO Influence
The EFF criticised the DA’s alignment with NATO, pointing to historical examples such as NATO’s involvement in Libya and Iraq. The party asserted that these military interventions exemplify NATO’s imperialist ambitions, which it believes continue to influence Ukraine’s role in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. According to the EFF, the visa-free agreement with Ukraine risks entrenching NATO’s influence in South Africa, a move that contradicts the country’s stance on sovereignty and non-alignment.
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