By Thabo Mosia
African National Congress (ANC) Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula stated that President Cyril Ramaphosa would not sign the visa-free agreement between South Africa and Ukraine, marking a clear stance on a contentious international issue. The agreement, pending since 2020, was designed to facilitate visa-free access for Ukrainian diplomats, allowing them to enter South Africa without a visa. However, Mbalula’s statement underscores a significant divergence in South Africa’s foreign policy perspectives.
The visa-free agreement took centre stage on Monday when Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber, a member of the Democratic Alliance (DA), announced on the social media platform X that he was pleased to have signed the agreement. Schreiber’s announcement stirred controversy within South Africa’s political landscape. Despite Schreiber’s excitement, the Presidency clarified that the agreement still required the President’s signature, igniting a wave of responses and accusations on social media. Some members of the ANC argued that Schreiber was misleading the public regarding the agreement’s status.
In his post, Schreiber revealed that he had referred the agreement to President Ramaphosa for his endorsement, yet Mbalula firmly responded, stating, “Leon Schreiber claims to have signed the Ukraine agreement. He is crazy and overly excited. Comrades are angry, but I’m not bothered because I know the president won’t sign it.” This strong stance from Mbalula indicates a resistance within the ANC to align with Ukraine diplomatically, reflecting South Africa’s longstanding alliance with Russia.
The African National Congress (ANC) has been vocal about its foreign policy priorities, particularly in relation to South Africa’s alignment with countries outside the Western bloc. Meanwhile, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) entered the debate, voicing fierce opposition to the agreement and condemning Schreiber’s actions. In a statement released on 28 October 2024, the EFF described the visa-free access agreement as a betrayal of South Africa’s historical ties with Russia, an ally that played a pivotal role in supporting the country during the anti-apartheid struggle. The EFF underscored the importance of preserving South Africa’s anti-imperialist values and criticized the DA for what it perceived as pandering to Euro-Western interests.
EFF’s Opposition to the Visa-Free Agreement
The EFF’s response to the visa-free agreement with Ukraine emphasized South Africa’s historical relationship with Russia, positioning the agreement as an affront to the nation’s traditional alliances. The EFF rejected the DA’s initiative, stating that it threatens to undermine South Africa’s established foreign policy stance and loyalty to Russia, a founding member of the BRICS alliance. According to the EFF, the DA’s support for Ukraine and Schreiber’s actions represent a shift toward Euro-Western imperialist interests, which it argued would destabilize South Africa’s diplomatic principles.
The EFF’s opposition further described Ukraine’s government as a “Neo-Nazi regime,” and alleged that the DA’s pro-Ukraine stance aligns South Africa with NATO’s geopolitical agenda, which they claim seeks to encircle and weaken Russia. The EFF criticized the DA’s approach, labelling it a deliberate effort to distance South Africa from its BRICS allies. This condemnation reflects the EFF’s commitment to a foreign policy that favours Russia and opposes Western interventionism, particularly NATO, which the party has often denounced as an imperialist force.
Historical Ties with Russia and Anti-Imperialist Stance
South Africa’s historical ties with Russia are rooted in the shared struggle against colonial and imperial forces, dating back to the anti-apartheid era. The EFF reiterated that Russia’s support was instrumental in helping South Africa gain independence from apartheid and argued that the visa-free agreement with Ukraine contradicts the country’s anti-imperialist ethos. By supporting Russia in international relations and preserving its role in BRICS, South Africa has positioned itself as a proponent of multipolar global order, one that counters Western influence.
The EFF’s stance highlights a broader debate within South Africa about the alignment of its foreign policy with the interests of Western nations. The EFF emphasised that any move toward Western alignment risks jeopardising South Africa’s sovereignty and standing within BRICS, which has long served as a counterweight to the West. The party warned that the visa-free agreement with Ukraine could compromise South Africa’s independence and its established alliances within BRICS.
Presidency’s Position and Constitutional Requirements
Following Schreiber’s announcement, Vincent Magwenya, spokesperson for the Presidency, clarified that President Ramaphosa had not signed off on the visa-free agreement, asserting that it remains a procedural matter requiring constitutional approval. South Africa’s Constitution mandates that international agreements need presidential approval to become binding, adding an official layer to the visa waiver’s formalisation. Magwenya’s statement indicated that Schreiber’s announcement was premature and suggested that the Presidency maintains the final say on matters of foreign policy.
The procedural requirement underscores the divided perspectives within South Africa’s coalition government regarding foreign policy alignment. While the DA, known for its Western-leaning stance, advocates closer ties with Ukraine, the ANC and the EFF oppose moves that might disrupt South Africa’s longstanding ties with Russia. This internal tension raises questions about South Africa’s capacity to manage diverse political ideologies within its government and the coherence of its foreign policy.
DA’s Pro-Western Perspective and Foreign Policy Tensions
The DA’s position on the visa-free agreement with Ukraine represents a pro-Western orientation, which stands in stark contrast to the ANC and EFF’s pro-Russian sentiment. The DA’s advocacy for closer relations with Ukraine, particularly at a time of heightened global tensions, reflects a desire to align South Africa’s foreign policy with Western interests. However, this perspective clashes with the ANC’s commitment to maintaining a balanced, non-aligned foreign policy that respects the country’s historical alliances.
The ANC’s decision to reject the agreement with Ukraine highlights South Africa’s dedication to preserving its unique stance on the global stage. By prioritising non-alignment and diplomatic ties with BRICS nations, the ANC reinforces its commitment to an independent foreign policy. Mbalula’s confirmation that President Ramaphosa would not endorse the visa-free agreement solidifies the ANC’s resistance to altering its foreign policy trajectory.
EFF’s Appeal to the South African Public
In response to the visa-free agreement, the EFF called on South Africans to reject the DA’s initiative, warning that it could compromise South Africa’s security and independence. The EFF asserted that the agreement might open South Africa’s borders to foreign intelligence operatives with agendas counter to Russia’s interests. By highlighting concerns over NATO’s involvement in various conflicts, the EFF linked its opposition to a broader anti-imperialist message. It warned that any alignment with NATO’s agenda could transform South Africa into a proxy for Western geopolitical ambitions.
The EFF’s rhetoric reflects its deeply entrenched opposition to Western influence, particularly NATO, which it holds responsible for the destabilisation of regions such as Libya and Iraq. By aligning with Russia and opposing NATO, the EFF positions itself as a defender of South Africa’s sovereignty and an advocate for a multipolar world order. The EFF warned that the visa-free agreement could entrench NATO’s influence in South Africa, contradicting the country’s longstanding principles of non-alignment and respect for sovereignty.
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