Here is what Politicians and Top speakers are sayings about the END of SA visa-free to Ireland

Dr. Aaron Motsoaledi, Herman Mashaba, Helen Zille, and other prominent speakers share their thoughts.

In a recent and significant shift in immigration policy, Ireland has ended visa-free travel for South African and Botswanan nationals. This decision, effective immediately, has sparked widespread discussion and analysis from various South African leaders and influencers. Here, we compile insights and reactions from some of the country's most prominent voices.

Dr. Aaron Motsoaledi - Former Minister of Home Affairs, South Africa Dr. Aaron Motsoaledi has expressed concern over the new Irish visa regulations, highlighting the potential impact on South African travelers and businesses. "This decision by Ireland underscores the importance of safeguarding our travel documents and ensuring they are not misused. We are working on tightening our own measures to prevent passport fraud and maintain the integrity of our travel system," he stated.

Herman Mashaba - Leader of Action SA and former Mayor of Johannesburg Herman Mashaba, known for his strong stance on immigration issues, sees this development as a wake-up call for South Africa to address its internal challenges. "Ireland's decision is a direct result of our inability to control illegal immigration and the misuse of South African passports. We must implement stricter controls and policies to restore confidence in our system and protect our citizens' right to travel," Mashaba commented.

Helen Zille - Federal Council Chairperson of the Democratic Alliance Helen Zille highlighted the broader implications for South Africa's international relations. "This move by Ireland could strain our diplomatic ties and affect our citizens' mobility. It is crucial for our government to engage in dialogue with Irish authorities to address their concerns and work towards reinstating visa-free travel in the future," she remarked.

Busisiwe Mavuso - CEO of Business Leadership South Africa From an economic perspective, Busisiwe Mavuso pointed out the potential negative impact on trade and tourism. "Restricting travel for South Africans could hamper business relations and tourism between the two countries. It is vital for both governments to find a balanced approach that ensures security while facilitating economic exchange," she said.

Justice Malala - Political Analyst and Commentator Justice Malala offered a critical analysis of the policy change, emphasizing its socio-political ramifications. "This decision reflects a growing trend among Western countries to tighten immigration controls. It is a reminder for South Africa to strengthen its own policies and ensure that its citizens can continue to enjoy the benefits of global mobility," Malala observed.

Mmusi Maimane - Leader of One South Africa Movement Mmusi Maimane called for immediate action to address the root causes of the issue. "We need to tackle the systemic problems that lead to the misuse of our passports. This includes addressing corruption and improving border security. Only then can we hope to regain the trust of other nations and restore visa-free travel," he urged.

Pravin Gordhan - Minister of Public Enterprises Pravin Gordhan stressed the importance of a coordinated government response. "This is not just an immigration issue; it affects our national security and international standing. A comprehensive strategy involving various government departments is required to address the challenges and prevent similar situations in the future," he emphasized.

Solly Malatsi - Democratic Alliance MP and Spokesperson Solly Malatsi criticized the lack of proactive measures by the South African government. "This outcome was avoidable. Had we implemented stricter controls and preventive measures earlier, we might have avoided such drastic actions by other countries. It's a call to action for better governance and accountability," he noted.

Prof. Jonathan Jansen - Distinguished Professor of Education at Stellenbosch University Prof. Jonathan Jansen reflected on the impact on students and academic exchanges. "Many South African students and academics benefit from visa-free travel to pursue studies and research in Ireland. This change could limit opportunities for educational and cultural exchange, which are vital for our country's development," he warned.

Ralph Mathekga - Political Analyst and Author Ralph Mathekga provided a broader geopolitical context, stating, "This policy shift is part of a global trend where countries are becoming more protective of their borders. South Africa needs to adapt to this reality by improving its own immigration policies and ensuring that our travel documents are not exploited."

Here's what I think 

The decision by Ireland to end visa-free travel for South African nationals has elicited a range of responses from South Africa's leading voices. The consensus is clear: this move highlights the need for stronger immigration controls and better governance to maintain the integrity of South African passports and protect the rights of its citizens. As the government and its people navigate these new challenges, it is crucial to address the root causes and work towards restoring the country's international standing and mobility.