The presidency has moved forward to clarify on the issue of changes to the Nigerian visa application process after backlash from locals. The public denunciation and anguish arose from a miscommunication meant that many believed Nigerian travellers would no longer be required to present passports to receive a visa. These allegations are clearly false but the process concerning Visas from the West African nation to South Africa has been simplified in order to boast our tourism and business Activity with Nigeria.
After an initial announcement made by the President of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa was met with backlash from South Africans on social media, the Presidency has issued a follow-up “clarification” on changes taking place for Nigerian travellers coming to South Africa. The initial announcement declared that it would now be easier for Nigerians travelling to South Africa to apply for and receive a visa to do so, alongside a “five-year multiple-entry visa” supposed to make it easier for businesses and tourists from the West African nation to come and spend money in South Africa. Nigeria is the largest economy in Africa, with a GDP several times higher than South Africa despite not being as industrialised. Many users immediately took to social media to voice their displeasure, especially as xenophobic sentiment towards Nigerians is rife locally.
President Cyril Ramaphosa’s main goal in easing the process of obtaining Visas for Nigerians would be to strengthen trade, business and tourism relations with that country. Nigeria is Africa’s most populous nation at about 232.68 million and has the continent’s largest economy due to its oil exports. This could be a major reason why Ramaphosa sees Abuja as a major partner in inter-Africa relations. Easing of visa restrictions is good way to strengthen relations and also combat greed and corruption at the same time. Easing visa requirements and restrictions could strengthen relations between Pretoria and Abuja and one day even see South Africa looking to the Nigerian oil market for opportunity and growth. Assisting Nigeria to diversify its oil dependent economy could also be of benefit to South African investors. There is huge opportunity in easing restrictions on Visas for Nigerians.
Meanwhile in other controversy earlier last week the president attracted attention with a late-night cabinet reshuffle on Tuesday.
Swapping Thembi Simelane with Mmamoloko Kubayi, Ramaphosa claimed that this was all in the name of effectiveness. But one can’t help but wonder: is “effectiveness” now the political euphemism for “I had no choice”? The DA, South Africa’s self-appointed chief watchdog, seems to have had a significant hand in this latest political development. The party’s campaign to remove Simelane from the justice portfolio reverberated through the corridors of power, like a persistent echo that Ramaphosa couldn’t quite ignore. Ramaphosa’s response raises the question: Is this reshuffle a reflection of the ruling party’s shifting stance or a testament to the DA’s undue growing influence? Simelane is now tasked with the human settlements portfolio. The ANC integrity commission, custodians of the quest for political accountability, has yet to report back on its investigation into Simelane.
What’s the urgency, Mr President? Could this reshuffle not wait until we’ve carved the Christmas turkey and broken our New Year’s resolutions? Are unsubstantiated allegations determining Simelane’s political fate, or is there something more sinister at work?
The decision by the President to shift Simelane from the Justice and Constitutional Department to the Human Settlements Department raises a lot of questions concerning his position in the political hierarchy. Was the reason Simelane was not dismissed outright over inappropriate and corrupt behaviour was because she was too influential in political circles? Did Ramaphosa becoming all too aware that investigations against Simelane could possibly mean the end of his government of National Unity? The Democratic Alliance (DA) must also be aware of this. They must also be aware that the end of the GNU could spell new elections which they might not be able to win to form the government. This is because they are not strong enough. The DA and the ANC are walking a delicate and fragile path in the GNU. They could stand to lose more if new elections are called now.
If the corruption allegations against Simelane are true then she should have been dismissed outright. She should not have been shifted to a different portfolio since her integrity was compromised. The Human Settlement department needs more stable, uncompromising hands. Then again, the allegations against Simelane could be proven false and the ANC Integrity Commission’s investigation could come to nought. It could simply be an overreaction.
Article written by:
Yacoob Cassim
Journalist at Radio Al Ansaar
