South Africans have taken to social media under the trending hashtag #RamaphosaMustGo to express their dissatisfaction with President Cyril Ramaphosa’s new visa policy for Nigerian nationals.
The simplified five-year visa initiative, announced during the 11th Session of the South Africa-Nigeria Bi-National Commission in Cape Town on December 3, has sparked widespread backlash, with many calling for the president’s resignation.
The policy is designed to enhance economic growth and tourism by easing visa requirements for Nigerian businesspeople. Qualified individuals will be granted a five-year multiple-entry visa without needing to present a passport during the application process.
“Our efforts to create a favourable environment include introducing a simplified visa process for Nigerian businesspeople,” President Ramaphosa stated during the announcement. He emphasized that the measure is part of broader reforms aimed at modernizing global visa application processes and strengthening bilateral ties.
Despite these assurances, critics have accused the government of prioritizing foreign relations at the expense of addressing pressing domestic issues. An open letter to the president and a torrent of online criticism reflect the mounting public frustration. Many South Africans fear the policy will exacerbate unemployment and put additional pressure on already strained public resources.
Social media has become the battleground for heated exchanges, with the policy further fueling tensions in the often-fractious relationship between Nigerians and South Africans. “Why are we making it easier for foreigners when we can’t even solve our own problems?” one critic questioned on Twitter.
However, the presidency remains steadfast, defending the initiative as a strategic move to bolster economic cooperation between South Africa and Nigeria. “This is not just about visas; it’s about strengthening our bilateral ties and unlocking mutual economic opportunities,” a spokesperson for the president said.
While the administration insists the policy is a step toward economic modernization, its reception among South Africans suggests deeper dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of domestic issues. With the hashtag #RamaphosaMustGo gaining momentum, the visa policy has become a lightning rod for broader concerns about governance and economic inequality.
