Following the news that South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced the relaxation of visa rules for Nigerians, there have been mixed reactions.

Reports indicate that the new measures for visa processes for Nigerians include five-year multiple-entry visas and the option for Nigerian tourists to apply for visas without submitting their passports.

This announcement was made during the 11th session of the Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission (BNC) in Cape Town on Tuesday, where President Bola Tinubu was also present.

Ramaphosa stated, “Our efforts to create a favourable environment included simplifying the visa process for Nigerian business people travelling to South Africa. Qualifying Nigerian business people were granted a five-year multiple-entry visa.”

This move aims to strengthen business and tourism connections. However, some South Africans have taken to social media to express their disapproval, criticizing President Ramaphosa for the decision.

@maggyvalen: “This man hates South Africans, you can’t tell me otherwise. He is now gaslighting us because he knows how we feel about Nigeria.”

@Packer_an: “Why Nigeria of all countries.”

@Lebona_cabonena: “The whole of Nigeria is gonna come to South Africa.”

@nkulipp: “This president knows very well how we feel about Nigerians, but no, he wants to pass us off even more. Let’s start in 2026 let’s punish ANC.”

@Bongani_Wale: “Yeah @CyrilRamaphosa is a traitor. If it’s not foreign shop owners then it’s Nigerians. Why would South Africa opt to ease visa rules with Nigeria whilst others countries are considering canceling them because of the delinquent behaviors of these people.”

@visse_ss: “A 5-year visa deal? More like a 5-year disaster for South Africa. Ramaphosa is compromising our economy, safety, and sovereignty. Who gave him the right to gamble with our future for his personal benefit?”