Cape Town – Home Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi on Wednesday reportedly “challenged” the Democratic Alliance (DA) to “drag [him] to a court or law enforcement agencies” after he faced criticism from the party for allegedly breaking the law to allow the Emirati president and his entourage to enter South Africa.
The minister was responding to the debate on the Home Affairs budget in a mini-plenary of the National Assembly
Last month, the UAE president and ruler of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al Nahyan and his 680-strong entourage entered South Africa at the Bulembu Airport, near Bhisho in the Eastern Cape, from where they went to his game farm in the province, News24 reported.
The DA claimed that Motsoaledi did not follow the required legal procedures in declaring the Bulembu Airport as an international entry and exit point for the president’s visit.
“The Minister of Home Affairs, Aaron Motsoaledi, should, in compliance with the Immigration Act of 2002 and the Border Management Authority Act of 2020, provide evidentiary proof that he complied with the law in designating Bhisho Airport, in the Eastern Cape, as a temporary port of entry to facilitate inbound immigration entry to the UAE President and his 500 guests.
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“Section 30(3) of the Border Management Authority requires that the Minister must, prior to an approval, publish a notice in the Gazette for public comments for a period of not less than 30 days,” IOL quoted shadow minister of home affairs, Angel Khanyile as saying.
Motsoaledi, however, did not directly address the allegations of illegality or explain how he applied the law, News24 reported.
He defended his actions by stating that he interpreted the law himself and believed that the Border Management Act, which requires a 30-day public comment period for declarations, did not apply in this case as it was a temporary declaration, the report said.
The DA criticised Motsoaledi for not seeking a legal opinion and accused him of justifying unlawful actions. They also questioned the minister’s claim that the president’s visit would bring investments to the Eastern Cape, stating that it seemed like a private visit for leisure.
The party warned Motsoaledi that they would take legal action if similar instances occurred in the future, emphasising the importance of upholding the law in South Africa.
Last month the Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said the UAE president and his entourage’s visit to South Africa was private and there was nothing untoward about it.
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“We are here today to share with the nation that this visit has been made possible with the diligence and integrity required of government as we interact with people from all walks of life, including persons of the standing of the UAE President,” said Ntshavheni, according to SA News.
“Public discussion on the visit by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al Nahyan and his entourage has generated a range of insinuation that suggested that something improper unfolded in the Eastern Cape’s preparation for this visit by a prestigious guest to our country,” Ntshavheni said.
She clarified that “none of this is true”.
The visit by was preceded by formal diplomatic correspondence from the UAE Government to South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco).
“This correspondence reflects the respect shown and care taken by the President of the UAE in informing South Africa of the planned visit and allowing us to make the necessary arrangements in good time.
“It is common for Heads of State and Government to visit South Africa privately, including for the purpose of obtaining medical treatment,” she said.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
