By Benson Daniel
The United States has imposed new visa restrictions on certain foreign nationals in South Africa, escalating tensions between Washington and Pretoria over allegations of racial discrimination, land reform and violence against minority groups.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the policy on September 15, saying the restrictions would target people whom Washington considers responsible for, or complicit in, laws or policies involving race-based discrimination, uncompensated land seizures and the incitement of violence against ethnic or racial minorities.
The restrictions are being applied under Section 212(a)(3)(C) of the US Immigration and Nationality Act, which allows the secretary of state to restrict entry where the presence of a foreign national could have potentially serious adverse consequences for US foreign policy. Certain family members of affected individuals may also be covered.
The US announcement did not identify specific people who would immediately be affected by the restrictions.
Washington has repeatedly criticised South Africa’s land reform policies, including legislation that permits expropriation of property without compensation in specific circumstances. US officials have also raised concerns about what they describe as discriminatory policies affecting Afrikaners and other minority groups.
South Africa, however, has rejected allegations that its government is pursuing policies aimed at persecuting white South Africans. Pretoria has maintained that its land reforms and other measures are intended to address racial and economic inequalities that have persisted since the apartheid era.
The latest action adds to a series of measures taken by the Trump administration against South Africa. Washington has previously reduced assistance to the country, expelled its ambassador and introduced a refugee programme for Afrikaners and other South African minorities.
The dispute has also extended beyond domestic policy. The United States has criticised South Africa’s foreign-policy positions, including its case against Israel at the International Court of Justice.
The new visa policy could further complicate diplomatic and economic relations between the two countries. South Africa is an important regional economy and maintains significant commercial ties with the United States, including trade and investment relationships.
US Ambassador to South Africa Leo Brent Bozell has indicated that the visa restrictions could be followed by additional measures if Washington’s concerns are not addressed.
The restrictions are therefore likely to keep the relationship between Washington and Pretoria under pressure, while South African officials face growing demands to respond to the US allegations.
For now, the measure is targeted rather than a general suspension of US visas for South African citizens. The precise list of affected individuals and the practical scope of enforcement have not been publicly disclosed.
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