President Cyril Ramaphosa Responds to US Visa Restrictions
- President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed South Africa's response to new US visa restrictions while speaking at an ANC veterans' league golf day in Woodmead
- US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the visa policy targeting individuals linked to race-based discrimination, uncompensated land seizures, or incitement of violence
- Ramaphosa confirmed that Washington had not yet disclosed which individuals would be affected by the new restrictions
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Source: Getty Images
SOUTH AFRICA — President Cyril Ramaphosa has reaffirmed Pretoria’s determination to protect national sovereignty while keeping diplomatic avenues open with Washington, following the United States' decision to ban South African officials over land expropriation and race policies.
The South African leader was interviewed during an ANC Veterans' League event held at Johannesburg’s Country Club in Woodmead. His comments follow an announcement by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio regarding visa sanctions aimed at African individuals alleged to be involved in non-compensated land seizures, racial discrimination, or inciting violence.
View the ANC's video of Ramaphosa at the event on X:
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Pretoria refuses to bow its head
Ramaphosa underscored that South Africa intends to handle international engagements with dignity, maintaining that the country will preserve its independence without bending to external pressure.
Addressing the new policy, Ramaphosa highlighted that American authorities have not released a list of affected individuals. He noted that while Pretoria has continuously answered inquiries regarding trade and related matters, American officials alone must clarify the motivation behind this specific decision.
Emphasis on balanced economic relations
The President stressed that effective international relations require reciprocal respect between sovereign states. The latest sanctions follow earlier friction involving trade tariffs, suspended development assistance, and diplomatic expulsions.
Despite these hurdles, Ramaphosa pointed to ongoing commercial interdependence as a pathway forward. He noted that both markets rely on specific goods from one another, expressing belief that mutual economic necessity and respectful negotiation can restore balance to the relationship.
Roelf Meyer weighs in after visa restrictions
In a related article, Briefly News reported on South Africa’s efforts to maintain dialogue with the United States despite newly announced visa restrictions targeting certain policymakers. Ambassador Roelf Meyer said Pretoria preferred negotiations, while Washington warned that the restrictions could be only the first step.
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Source: Briefly News
