South Africa hits back at US visa restrictions

PRETORIA: South Africa has criticised new visa restrictions announced by the United States over its racial equity and land reform policies, accusing Washington of misrepresenting the country’s laws and further damaging bilateral relations.

The latest dispute has added to growing tensions between the two countries over race, trade and diplomatic issues. Relations have already been strained by US decisions involving aid, tariffs, diplomatic representation and its position on South Africa’s G20 presidency.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the new restrictions would apply to people accused of promoting race-based discrimination, encouraging violence or supporting land confiscation without compensation in South Africa.

South African Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola said Pretoria viewed the move with concern. He rejected the US characterisation of South Africa’s post-apartheid policies and said the country’s reforms were aimed at addressing inequalities created during decades of racial segregation.

Lamola said South Africa remained committed to overcoming the divisions of its past through democratic principles, social justice and respect for fundamental rights. He argued that these objectives were part of the country’s constitutional framework.

The US government has not disclosed the identities of any individuals who could be affected by the restrictions. However, US Ambassador to South Africa Brent Bozell warned that the visa measures could be followed by additional steps.

The dispute is closely linked to President Donald Trump’s criticism of South Africa’s land and employment equity policies. Pretoria introduced such measures after apartheid to tackle longstanding racial and economic disparities.

Trump has argued that some of these policies discriminate against Afrikaners, who make up part of South Africa’s white minority. South African authorities have repeatedly rejected that interpretation.

The issue has previously caused tensions between Trump and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. In 2025, Trump confronted Ramaphosa during a meeting at the White House over allegations concerning the treatment of white South Africans, including claims of a so-called “white genocide”, which Pretoria has rejected.

At the same time, the Trump administration has offered refugee status to white South Africans it says face persecution, despite its broader efforts to tighten immigration policies.

Lamola said South Africa’s government was not targeting any particular racial community. He stressed that crime remained a nationwide problem affecting people across racial and social groups.

South Africa’s opposition uMkhonto we Sizwe party, led by former president Jacob Zuma, also criticised the US measures. The party described the restrictions as an interference in South Africa’s sovereignty and questioned Washington’s position on international issues.

Despite the disagreements, officials from both countries continue to hold discussions aimed at improving relations. Lamola said talks had highlighted the importance of recognising South Africa’s specific circumstances and respecting its democracy, constitution, sovereignty and citizens.

The relationship has significant economic importance for both sides. South Africa is the United States’ largest trading partner in Africa, while hundreds of US companies operate in the country and tens of thousands of American citizens live there.

Pretoria is also seeking to reduce the economic impact of US trade measures.