South Africa is playing with fire

South Africa’s foreign affairs ministry called in US Ambassador Leo Brent Bozell III on Tuesday for a third time over what it described as undiplomatic conduct.

This was revealed by a senior official at South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO)

“We can confirm that we demarched Ambassador Bozell. The third demarche since he started his duties nine months ago,” the official said.

A demarche is a formal diplomatic step from one government to another to officially convey its views, requests, or protests to another government

A State Department spokesperson told Reuters that Bozell went to DIRCO to discuss bilateral ties.

“We are not interested in diplomatic manoeuvring, procedural delays or dialogue for dialogue’s sake,” the spokesperson added.

This action followed a media blitz by Bozell, where he discussed the United States’ five asks of South Africa and President Cyril Ramaphosa’s response.

He explained that South Africa ignored the United States’ requests for months, and even after being prompted to respond, the requests were not adequately addressed.

As such, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced a new visa restriction policy on 15 September 2026, targeting South Africans involved in specific actions.

These actions include implementing laws or policies that enable uncompensated land seizures and race-based discrimination.

The new policy also targets people involved in the incitement of imminent violence against any minority ethnic or racial group in South Africa.

Ambassador Bozell also adopted a firmer and impatient tone, saying that the time for talking between South Africa and the United States is over. It was time for action.

“The ball is now squarely in the government of South Africa’s court to outline the relationship it wants with the United States,” Bozell said.

South Africa has maintained a willingness to engage in talks, but said its sovereignty must be respected and that it would not compromise on domestic priorities.

“The issues related to the bilateral relations between the two countries are a subject of ongoing discussions,” the DIRCO official said.

The official added that there was a commitment from both sides to resolve the outstanding matters.

South Africa is risking trade with the United States

Many experts have warned that South Africa is risking its important trade relationship with the United States.

Washington’s previous response of targeted visa restrictions showed its firm stances on land policy, domestic legislation, and international alignment.

This sent a warning shot signal that procedural delays or formal diplomatic reprimands may provoke further counter-measures rather than a reset.

Analysts warned that open resistance to US demands means South Africa risks further straining its bilateral relations at a time of domestic growth challenges.

Escalating friction with Washington threatens South Africa’s critical trade preferences, such as benefits under AGOA.

There could also be further action which could deter foreign direct investment from American multinational corporations.

Joshua Meservey, a senior fellow at the Hudson Institute and one of the advocates for the visa restrictions, shared his views on The Common Sense podcast.

He said the rift between South Africa and the United States dates back to the Biden administration and the Lady R debacle.

He added that South Africa’s support of Russia and Ukraine and the ICJ case against Israel also played a role in deteriorating relations.

Meservey said that the visa restrictions were only a first step. Because negotiations have stalled, the United States is moving to stronger pressure tactics.

“Financial sanctions would likely be on the list of options the U.S. is considering. It would be targeted financial sanctions, not sectoral ones,” he said.

He added that people in the Trump administration are aware of the possibilities of closer trade and commercial ties with South Africa.

This includes investments that many American companies would like to make in South Africa, which will benefit the country.

“However, the United States’ five asks have to be dealt with. Until that happens, we will see the potential benefits of a closer U.S.–South Africa relationship,” he said.

He added that the ANC government appears to be delaying negotiations in the hope of waiting out the Trump administration.

This strategy, he warned, is unlikely to succeed and will only further frustrate United States policymakers.

Reporting with Reuters