ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula has urged South Africans to reject the "so-called" national shutdown aimed at President Cyril Ramaphosa, saying his statement regarding the country's new visa policy with Nigeria was intentionally misinterpreted.
As per the Tuesday announcement by Ramaphosa, Nigerian travellers will just need to present a copy of their passports when asking for a visa. The original document will be provided later.
This sparked social media outrage with others calling for Ramaphosa to resign because "he was selling the country".
Many complained about how Nigerians were flooding the country with the intention of destroying it.
However, Mbalula clarified that there was a misunderstanding, explaining that he did not imply that Nigerians could travel to South Africa without a passport.
He said the deal was to ease trade relations with the country.
Mbalula briefed the media at Luthuli House in Johannesburg on Friday.
"We dismiss the so-called national shutdown as nothing more than a failed attempt to sow chaos. The ANC remains resolute in defending South Africa’s sovereignty, uplifting its people, and ensuring that our country is a home for all who respect its laws and contribute positively to its growth," he said.
He said Ramaphosa will be defended and continue to govern as the elected president.
"We are here to lead and we will not falter in this responsibility. We will not betray values and principles. Ramaphosa is a product of the democratic process and leading the ANC.
"The attack on Ramaphosa is an attack on our nation including the ANC," he said.