- You’re “Selling”, De marketing South Africa, Critics Tell Ramaphosa
- Policy Part Of Strategy To Strengthen Bilateral Ties, Enhance Economic Cooperation, Ramaphosa Replies Critics
- Critics’ Attack Smacks of Intentional Misinterpretation, No Ulterior Motive, ANC Defends Ramaphosa
By Kolawole Ojebisi
Many South-African citizens have taken to social media to express their displeasure over the decision of President Cyril Ramaphosa to grant a simplified visa process for Nigerian nationals.
The backlash against the move has been growing in leaps and bounds since Ramaphosa’s announcement with many calling for the South Africa’s president’s resignation.
The move, aimed at boosting economic and tourism activities, was announced during the 11th Session of the South Africa-Nigeria Bi-National Commission in Cape Town on December 3.
Critics have called for the reversal of the decision, accusing the government of South Africa of not prioritising f domestic concerns. The outcry has included an open letter to the president and widespread criticism online.
Many citizens of South Africa kicking against the move stressed that the influx of Nigerians to the country has heightened competition over resources that should be solely enjoyed by the country’s nationals
Responding to the backlash, the presidency clarified that the initiative was part of broader efforts to modernise and streamline visa application processes globally.
“Our efforts to create a favourable environment include introducing a simplified visa process for Nigerian business people. Those who qualify can be granted a five-year multiple-entry visa,” Ramaphosa explained.
He added that Nigerian nationals would no longer need to produce a passport to apply for visa.
The announcement came at a time when relations between Nigerians and South Africans have been tense, often reflected in heated exchanges on the social media.
Critics argue that the relaxed visa policy could exacerbate existing social and economic challenges within South Africa.
Despite the criticism, the government maintains that the policy is part of a strategy to strengthen bilateral ties and enhance economic cooperation between the two countries.
However, the National Secretary of the ruling African National Congress (ANC) Fikile Mbalula yesterday slammed the critics, saying their attack was aimed at the President and smacked of intentional misinterpretation.
Mbalula told reporters in Johannesburg that there was a misunderstanding as the new deal did not imply that Nigerians could travel to South Africa without a passport.
He said the deal was to ease trade relations between the two countries.
“We dismiss the so-called national shutdown as nothing more than a failed attempt to sow chaos. The ANC remains resolute in defending South Africa’s sovereignty, uplifting its people, and ensuring that our country is a home for all who respect its laws and contribute positively to its growth,” he said.
He said Ramaphosa would continue to govern as the elected president, adding: “We are here to lead and we will not falter in this responsibility. We will not betray values and principles. Ramaphosa is a product of the democratic process and leading the ANC.”
Continuing, he said: “The attack on Ramaphosa is an attack on our nation including the ANC.
“We make it abundantly clear: South Africa is not a playground for lawlessness.
“The relaxation of visa requirements does not equate to entry without passports. There has been a clear distortion of the President’s words.”
He said South Africa remains committed to maintaining law and order while fostering improved trade relations with Nigeria.
Recall that while announcing the new policy on Tuesday at the opening of the 11th session of the Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission (BNC) in Cape Town, Ramaphosa had also said, “Our efforts to create a favourable environment include our simplified visa process for Nigerian business people to travel to South Africa. Qualifying Nigerian business people can be granted a five-year multiple entry visa,”
He pledged South Africa’s commitment to removing constraints on greater investment and addressing the challenges faced by companies in both countries.
Nigeria, he noted, is host to a number of South African companies and stressed that his country has always been open to Nigerian business.
He added: “But there is much more we need to do. We need to remove the remaining constraints to greater investment, just as we need to address some of the challenges that companies have experienced.”
