WATCH: Lamola in Washington as Trump’s visa crackdown sparks SA-US diplomatic clash
Lamola arrived just days after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Tuesday announced new visa restrictions targeting South African officials
South African International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola has arrived in Washington, D.C., just days after the Trump administration announced new visa restrictions targeting officials accused of enforcing discriminatory policies in Pretoria. The new policy, unveiled by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Tuesday, singles out South African officials for race-based discrimination and uncompensated land seizures.
Lamola has vehemently rejected Washington's allegations, stating that the announcement perpetuates the mischaracterization of South Africa's domestic policies. During his visit, Lamola will engage with key US lawmakers, participate in a Roundtable discussion, and hold bilateral meetings. He was welcomed by South Africa's Ambassador to the United States, Roelf Meyer, who briefed him on the matter.
The policy marks Washington's most significant rebuke of Pretoria's handling of minority rights and comes as part of the Trump administration's efforts to target South Africa for alleged mistreatment of white citizens. The South African government has denied these claims, with President Ramaphosa stating there is "no evidence" of persecution against white people.
US ambassador to South Africa, Leo Brent Bozell III, warned that the new restrictions are just the beginning and that America's resolve to address the issue is "firm."
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