JOHANNESBURG – ActionSA president Herman Mashaba has criticized President Cyril Ramaphosa’s decision to grant Nigerian businesses five-year multiple-entry visas, calling the move “incomprehensible” amid South Africa’s current border security challenges.

The visa reform, announced earlier this week, aims to boost trade relations between Africa’s two largest economies, according to the Presidency.

“Right now, SA is in the midst of a crisis where we’re losing children left, right and centre, where we have one of the most porous borders in the world,” Mashaba said, questioning the timing of the decision.

The ActionSA leader expressed concern about future visa relaxations, asking “who’s next?”

The policy change forms part of broader visa reforms intended to attract foreign investment to South Africa.