By BAKANG MOKOTO
5 December 2024- The Save South Africa Movement lambasted the Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa and accused him of continuing to take decisions that are anti-South African. The movement said Ramaphosa has proved once more that he has no regard for what the citizens are saying.
This comes after Ramaphosa allegedly declared that the Nigerian tourists can now apply for a visa without presenting any passport.
The Save South Africa Movement spokesperson, Tebogo Mashilompane said Ramaphosa was careless, about the views of ordinary citizens.
“Firstly, Ramaphosa made a public declaration that Nigerian tourists can now apply for a visa without presenting any passport. We view this statement as reckless and irresponsible because there is too much fraud and internet fraud, and this means the President has surrendered his authority.
“Secondly, Ramaphosa mentioned without doubt that Nigerian products must be on the shelves in South African Shops. However, the announcement is regrettable because, 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 business people find it hard to put their products on the shelves,” he said.
Mashilompane further said what also makes it sad to them is the fact that, they are currently fighting the issue of poisoners consumables from spaza shop owners. He added that they believe that Ramaphosa should have been sensitive to the current situation they are currently facing as the nation.
“Thirdly, this one has proved beyond reasonable doubt that the President has no interest in fighting corruption and the corrupt. The President, instead of removing Thembi Simelani completely, decides to reward her with yet another important portfolio.
“As Save South Africa, we continue to be disappointed at the conduct of the President and we reiterate our call that the President must step down before he, completely, destroys our beautiful country,” said Mashilompane.
He said Save South Africa, further stated that they will not take Ramaphosa seriously, as he continues to undermine the majority of this country. Mashilompane said they continue to call for the stepping down of the Ramphosa as he continues to show no interest on issues that affect ordinary citizens.
Meanwhile, Ramaphosa said: “South Africa has implemented modernised and streamlined visa application procedures as part of ongoing visa reforms to enhance economic activity, boost tourism and protect national security.
“These reforms aim to improve efficiency and convenience, without compromising the integrity of the visa system. South African missions in Nigeria have introduced measures that simplify the process for prospective travellers.”
He said this forms part of the work underway to modernise and streamline visa application processes worldwide. Ramaphosa said applicants are no longer required to submit their physical passports at the time of application.
“Instead, they only need to provide certified copies of their passport biopage for initial processing. However, applicants must present their physical passports during the application process for verification and confirmation.
“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,” said Ramaphosa.
The Guardian 