South Africa government split over Ukraine visa deal

South Africa’s recent visa-free agreement for Ukrainian diplomats has ignited political controversy.

Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber from the Democratic Alliance (DA) called Ukraine a “valued ally” and announced the deal, but President Cyril Ramaphosa’s office responded that Schreiber lacked formal authorization.

The African National Congress (ANC) and DA have clashed over South Africa's stance on Russia, with the ANC valuing ties with Russia while the DA criticizes the Ukraine invasion.

Meanwhile, opposition parties, including the EFF and Jacob Zuma’s MK party, condemned the agreement, framing it as a departure from South Africa's solidarity with Russia.