Diplomacy/ US imposes visa restrictions on South Africa over alleged discrimination against white minority
The United States has announced visa restrictions targeting individuals accused of discriminating against South Africa’s white minority, escalating tensions between the two nations. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the measures target those promoting “race-based discrimination, incite violence, or enable land confiscation without compensation.”
South Africa’s Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola expressed “concern,” rejecting what he called a “mischaracterisation” of domestic policies by “fringe groups.” The government has repeatedly denied persecuting white people or seizing land arbitrarily.
Relations have deteriorated since President Trump returned to office, citing aid cuts and offering refuge to Afrikaners. Washington criticized South Africa’s land reform law, which allows expropriation without compensation in rare cases to address historic inequalities.
Most private farmland is white-owned, though whites comprise just over 7% of the population.
Rubio warned the visa policy is “only the first step” in escalating measures. South Africa’s efforts to mend ties, including a White House visit last May, failed after Trump ambushed the meeting with unsubstantiated claims of white farmer killings.
In August, the US imposed 30% tariffs on South African goods—the highest in sub-Saharan Africa.
