"These changes bring New Zealand into line with countries such as Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States," he said.
Yesterday, Times Live reported Gigaba as saying the SA government, like other international governments, had matched the move and "applied the principle of reciprocity" in international relations.
Visa fees will remain low, Gigaba said, and all other decisions on reciprocal visa requirements would be made in the interests of SA's broader national interests.
"We have further noted in recent times a number of countries have imposed visa restrictions on SA passport holders," Gigaba said, according to Times Live.
"After a careful consideration of this matter, I have directed departmental officials to look closely at the decisions of these countries and advise accordingly whether or not SA should reciprocate."