Minister Lamola pushes back against new US visa restrictions - IOL

International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola has pushed back against new US visa restrictions targeting South Africans linked to policies Washington says enable race-based discrimination and uncompensated land seizures.

South Africa has pushed back against new US visa restrictions targeting foreign nationals linked to policies Washington says enable race-based discrimination, uncompensated land seizures and the incitement of violence against minority groups.

International Relations and Co-operation Minister Ronald Lamola said he had noted the restrictions “with concern”, accusing fringe groups of misrepresenting South Africa’s domestic policies and portraying themselves as representatives of minorities and Afrikaners.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the restrictions on Tuesday under the Immigration and Nationality Act.

The policy targets foreign nationals who the US says are responsible for, or complicit in, enacting or implementing laws or policies that enable uncompensated land seizures, race-based discrimination or the incitement of imminent violence against minority ethnic or racial groups in South Africa.

Certain family members of targeted individuals may also be covered, although no individuals were named in the US announcement.

Rubio said the South African government had failed to adequately address Washington’s concerns.

“The South African government has not adequately addressed the previously laid out concerns and so today, I am announcing a new visa restriction policy,” he said.

Lamola said South Africa remained committed to addressing the injustices of the past through its constitutional and democratic framework.

“We reiterate that healing the divisions of the past and establishing a society based on democratic values, social justice and fundamental human rights is a constitutional imperative.” 

He said South Africa had a sovereign right to introduce legislation addressing the legacy of racial injustice.

“It is our sovereign right to put in place laws that address the nation’s concern over centuries of racial injustice.

“Legislation in the democratic era is intended to improve the plight of the people who had been excluded for centuries. This is consistent with other countries who have a similar experience to South Africa.”

Lamola also pointed to the Prevention and Combating of Hate Crimes and Hate Speech Act 16 of 2023, saying it provided a legal framework for addressing hate speech and prosecuting hate crimes.

“This legislation sets a stringent legal framework for the eradication of hate speech and the prosecution of hate crimes. This law is binding on both the State and non-state actors,” he said.

Lamola said South Africa respected the United States’ right to hold different views on its policies, but expected the same respect for its sovereignty.

“South Africa respects that the United States may hold different views regarding particular measures and their implementation; however, we remain committed to addressing these challenges through our constitutional institutions, democratic processes and the rule of law, with the objective of building a more equal and inclusive society for all South Africans."

He also rejected the suggestion that South Africa’s approach to crime targeted people based on race, colour or social origin.

“The South African government remains seized with the challenges of crime in South Africa which affects everyone and is not targeting anyone based on their race, colour, or social origin."

Lamola said ongoing bilateral discussions between South Africa and the US showed the importance both countries placed on finding a lasting solution.

“The discussions have highlighted the need for any resolution to consider South Africa’s unique circumstances and to respect its democracy, constitution, sovereignty, and the will of its people,” he said.

“We maintain that challenges in our bilateral relations with the USA can only be resolved by constructive engagement through state actors on both sides of the diplomatic channel, not unilateral acts,” Lamola said.

Rubio, meanwhile, urged South Africa to address Washington’s concerns.

“We once again strongly urge the South African government to quickly address these egregious actions,” Rubio said.