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News

Knives out for Ramaphosa

todayDecember 4, 2024 240

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Calls are mounting on President Cyril Ramaphosa to step down as anger simmers over his recent remarks on strengthening ties with Nigeria.

This includes visa relaxations for the country, which means prospective travellers can apply for their visas without submitting their passports along with their applications.

“Prospective travellers can apply for their visas without submitting their passports along with their applications – at the time of application, they are only required to submit certified copies of the biopage of their passports, and their actual passports should also be availed during the application process for verification and confirmation,” says government.

The civic organisation, Save South Africa, has described Ramaphosa’s statement as reckless and irresponsible.

It says he has surrendered his authority, given the amount of fraud that continues to plague the country’s home affairs department.

The President also raised the ire of many citizens when he said the country is looking forward to seeing more companies investing in South Africa.

He added that the country wants to see more Nigerian products on the South African shelves.

Ramaphosa made the remarks at the South Africa-Nigeria Business Roundtable in Cape Town yesterday.

Save South Africa’s Tebogo Mashilompane has slammed him as being out of touch with the reality of many South Africans.

“We have many South Africans who are still struggling to put their products on the shelves, but the President would give attention to Nigerian products while emerging South African businesspeople find it hard to put their products on the shelves.”

“What also makes it sad to us is the fact that we are currently fighting the issue of poisonous consumables from Spaza Shop owners,” he adds.

Mashilompane says Ramaphosa is insensitive to the current state of the nation.

Sharing the same sentiments is the Operation Dudula Movement, which says it’s disheartening that the President continues to prioritise foreigners over South Africans.

The movement’s Zandile Dabula says Ramaphosa must clean up his house first before inviting people.

“We are not saying there shouldn’t be investment, how will people invest in a country that is so chaotic.”

Dabula says citizens should be worried about the President’s utterances, particularly with Nigerians who are largely blamed for social ills such as drug peddling and human trafficking.

“He should have consulted with South Africans first before making decisions, we are very disappointed and will be seeking legal advice on the matter.”

Author, Jackie Phamotse, has written an open letter to the President – citing a number of issues plaguing the country, including, unemployment, GBV and crime.

She has pleaded with the President to take concrete actions to protect the rights and safety of citizens.

Phamotse has also questioned Ramaphosa on whether he is aware of the risks he has created with his agenda on Nigeria.

“I have nothing to say but you have killed us.”

Some, including ANC member Esethu Hasane, have defended government’s stance on the matter, slamming unhappy South Africans as ignorant.

However, the anti-Nigerian brigade has hit back, saying only big companies and government are benefitting from such deals not ordinary South Africans.

Written by: Lindiwe Mpanza

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