US Ambassador Bozell slams SA: Visa sanctions, farm attack fears and investment risks
The ambassador stressed that the dispute was not with ordinary South Africans but with government policy.
United States Ambassador Leo Brent Bozell II has harshly criticized South Africa, warning that Washington has "run out of patience" with Pretoria's refusal to engage on key issues. In an opinion piece titled "The Cost of Doing Nothing," Bozell announced a new visa restriction policy, stating it is a direct consequence of South Africa's failure to respond to demands.
The visa restrictions target South African nationals involved in policies enabling race-based discrimination, uncompensated land seizures, or inciting violence against minorities. Bozell said Pretoria's silence on three out of five conditions presented in November 2025 is "unacceptable." The South African government has consistently denied claims of systemic discrimination, with President Cyril Ramaphosa insisting there is "no evidence of persecution against white people."
Bozell emphasized that the dispute is with government policy, not ordinary South Africans, and warned that South Africa risks losing billions in potential US investment in critical minerals, energy cooperation, and telecommunications due to the burdensome and inefficient race-based regulatory environment.
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