A major crackdown on visa exploitation is underway as details emerge of Nigerian citizens being scammed out of millions of Naira by corrupt syndicates for South African visas.
In a powerful statement, Ambassador Ayanda Ngwane, the Press Diplomat and Mediator, exposed the massive price inflation, revealing that the actual official fee set by South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) is a fraction of what middlemen are charging.
“For too long, Nigerian citizens have been made to pay millions to unseen faces calling themselves agents and middlemen for a South African 🇿🇦 visa,” Ngwane stated. “Let the record be clear: the official fee set by DIRCO South Africa is only ₦36,000 🇳🇬 for clean businesses, education, and visitation purposes.”
The diplomat emphasized that affordable, transparent visa access is vital “for study, scholars, business people, those going for cultural and heritage exchange, trade and humanitarian work.”
By ensuring easier travel for these groups, the initiative aims to significantly strengthen financial ties between the two economic powerhouses.
Furthermore, it serves to reshape the conversational landscape, building a clear narrative that South Africa is not xenophobic, and actively working to dismantle the false narratives that have historically divided South Africans and Nigerians.
Ngwane criticized mainstream media for either ignoring the crisis or pushing negative coverage, clarifying that DIRCO has consistently worked to ease trade and travel relations between both nations. Stepping up as a champion for everyday travellers, the Press Diplomat promised aggressive, direct action.
”As your Press Diplomat & Mediator, I am here to fight for the citizens. Through mutual information, media awareness, and direct engagement with the Home Affairs of both nations, we will dismantle exploitation, clean the corrupt swamp, and restore access,” Ngwane vowed. “No more millions to middlemen. No more silence. Only transparency, unity, and progress.”
Moving forward, the public is urged to bypass unauthorized agents. For verified business facilitation and media inquiries, citizens are advised to contact the Office of the Press Diplomat directly.
