It seems like the government of national unity is showing the ANC flames. Last week, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced at the BRICS summit that Russia remains a friend and ally of South Africa. The DA who is in GNU with the ANC said they are distancing themselves from Ramaphosa's statement. Last night, Minister of Home Affairs Leon Schreibe announced on social media that he had signed a visa agreement with Ukraine before the president authorised it.

AN HONOUR

Schreiber posted on X that the signing of the agreement granting visa-free access to South Africa for Ukrainian holders of diplomatic, official, and service parts and vice versa was historic.Schreiber said he was honoured to announce that, in his capacity as Minister of Home Affairs representing the Republic of South Africa, have signed a historic agreement. "The agreement grants visa-free access to our country for Ukrainian holders of diplomatic, official, and service passports - and vice versa. We continue to see Ukraine as a valued ally, as a valued friend, who supported us right from the beginning, from the days of our struggle against apartheid, right through to now," he said. He added:"I look forward to President Ramaphosa adding his signature to this agreement in the coming week so that we can conclude this important step forward for relations between our two peace-loving nations."

NOTHING CONFIRMED

Following several reactions to Schreiber's post which has been trending since he made the announcement, Ramaphosa's spokesperson Vincent Magwenya questioned the minister's actions. "The President is yet to sign the minute authorising the minister to sign the agreement with Ukraine. It is unclear how the minister can announce the signature of an international agreement without prior formal authorisation to do so," responded Magwenya on X. Magwenya also said that negotiations between the two countries started in 2020. He added that International Relations and Co-Operation Minister Ronald Lamola will meet with Andrii Sybiha, his Ukrainian counterpart to sign the agreement. "This will enable SA officials to travel to Ukraine for peace formula meetings without visa logistical impediments. This development, which has been in the making since 2020, signals SA's commitment to growing diplomatic relations with Ukraine,' Magwenya added.