Officials say the Home Affairs minister jumped the gun and made the announcement before it was officially authorised by President Ramaphosa.

A controversial agreement to grant Ukrainian diplomats visa-free access to South Africa has sparked outrage within political circles. South Africa's Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber, who is form a different party to the president,

South Africa's unity government has been rocked by a spat between its main political parties, the African National Congress and the Democratic Alliance, over a deal to grant visa-free access for some Ukrainians.

The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) has given its sentiment on the Ukraine visa agreement debacle which has been a major talking point after Minister of Home Affairs, Dr Leon Schreiber announced the deal on his social media account.

South Africa's Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber, who is from a different party to the president, announced the deal on Sunday, terming Ukraine a "valued ally". But the presidency has criticised Schreiber for announcing the agreement without formal authorisation from President Cyril Ramaphosa.