# US targets South African officials with visa restrictions

> Trump administration escalates tensions over alleged discrimination against white Afrikaners in South Africa.
- Title: US targets South African officials with visa restrictions
- Summary: Trump administration escalates tensions over alleged discrimination against white Afrikaners in South Africa. The US has imposed visa restrictions on South…
- Keywords: south africa, united states, marco rubio, cyril ramaphosa, donald trump, visa restrictions, afrikaners, land reform, apartheid, racial discrimination, diplomatic tensions, news
- Source: BBC News — https://bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cqy0z5y7wnp2o
- Published: 2026-09-16T06:12:04.196+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: south africa, united states, marco rubio, cyril ramaphosa, donald trump, visa restrictions, afrikaners, land reform, apartheid, racial discrimination, diplomatic tensions, news
## US restricts visas over discrimination claims
The Trump administration announced visa restrictions targeting South African officials accused of discriminating against white Afrikaners. Secretary of State Marco Rubio says concerns remain unaddressed.

> The South African government has not adequately addressed the previously laid out concerns
## Who gets targeted by restrictions
The visa policy targets those who promote race-based discrimination, incite violence, or enable land confiscation without compensation. No specific individuals were named.
## South Africa denies persecution claims
The South African government has repeatedly rejected allegations of persecuting white people. Crime statistics show no evidence that white people face more violent crime than other groups.
## The land law at the center
A new law allows the state to seize land without compensation in rare instances and for public interest. Authorities must first try to reach agreements with owners, and disputes can go to court.
## Why land reform matters
Land ownership remains sensitive three decades after apartheid, when the black majority was dispossessed. White South Africans, just 7% of the population, own most private farmland.
## Ramaphosa's failed charm offensive
South Africa tried to mend relations by sending Ramaphosa to the White House with white coalition members and famous golfers. Trump ambushed the meeting with unsubstantiated persecution claims.
## More punishment coming
The US embassy warned visa restrictions are just the first step in escalatory measures. South Africa already faces 30% tariffs on exports, the highest rate in sub-Saharan Africa.

> This visa restriction policy is only the first step in a series of escalatory measures
## Key takeaway

The US has imposed visa restrictions on South African officials over alleged anti-white discrimination, despite South Africa's repeated denials and lack of supporting evidence.