The African National Congress (ANC) has stepped in to clarify President Cyril Ramaphosa’s recent remarks about South Africa’s revised visa policy for Nigerian travellers.
Ramaphosa announced last week that Nigerian applicants would now be required to submit only a copy of their passport during visa application processes, with the original document submitted later.
This measure, aimed at streamlining travel requirements, has been misunderstood by some as allowing Nigerians to travel to South Africa without passports.
Dismissing these interpretations, ANC Secretary General Fikile Mbalula stated that the changes have been deliberately misconstrued.
He said South Africa remains committed to maintaining law and order while fostering improved trade relations with Nigeria.
His words: “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.”
The ANC reiterated that the policy aims to facilitate business and strengthen ties between the two nations while upholding strict immigration regulations.
This clarification comes amid outrage on social media over the comments by the country’s president.