US won’t reveal visa restriction names as Bozell backs Mbeki to break SA impasse
Cape Town – US Ambassador to South Africa Leo Brent Bozell III says Washington will not disclose the names of South Africans affected by its new visa restrictions, while suggesting former president Thabo Mbeki could help resolve the diplomatic impasse. The restrictions, announced by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, target foreign nationals accused of involvement in race-based discrimination and... Read more → The post US won’t reveal visa restriction names as Bozell backs Mbeki to break SA impasse appeared first on African Insider.
Black News 
Cape Town – US Ambassador to South Africa Leo Brent Bozell III says Washington will not disclose the names of South Africans affected by its new visa restrictions, while suggesting former president Thabo Mbeki could help resolve the diplomatic impasse.
The restrictions, announced by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, target foreign nationals accused of involvement in race-based discrimination and uncompensated land seizures in South Africa.
Speaking to SABC News, Bozell said the measures were part of a broader process that began with US President Donald Trump’s executive order in January 2025.
He said the order raised concerns about the treatment of Afrikaners and rural farmers, US investment in South Africa, and broader “geostrategic” and military issues.
“It was the growing hostility toward investments from the United States. And thirdly, it was the geostrategic issues, and the military issues, and the like,” Bozell said.
US-SA RELATIONS | United States Ambassador to South Africa Leo Brent Bozell says the State Department will not disclose the names of South Africans who will be affected by the recently announced visa restrictions. pic.twitter.com/jdnpVT9RhD
— SABC News (@SABCNews) September 21, 2026
He said months of discussions followed, with Washington eventually presenting South Africa with five key demands.
“In my meeting with President Ramaphosa, I tried to emphasise just how simple this process was,” Bozell said.
Among the demands was for Pretoria to leave the US refugee programme unaffected following a dispute in December.
On land reform, Bozell said Washington viewed expropriation without compensation as “a direct threat to investment in your country”, arguing that expropriation should be accompanied by fair market compensation.
Another demand was for Ramaphosa to condemn the “kill the boer, kill the farmer” chant, which Bozell described as incitement to violence.
He said the demands were intended to address US concerns over rural safety, investment protection and broader strategic relations with South Africa.
Best person
According to Business Day, Bozell described Mbeki as the “best person” to help restore dialogue between Pretoria and Washington.
“Mbeki is the best person to break this impasse. He understands the mechanics of global diplomacy better than anyone else in South Africa,” Bozell said.
He also warned that the visa restrictions were only the beginning of further measures.
“This visa restriction policy is only the first step in a series of escalatory measures that will show America’s firm resolve in this matter,” he said.
South Africa has rejected allegations of systemic discrimination against white citizens.
International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola has defended the country’s policies as measures aimed at addressing historical racial injustice.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
The post US won’t reveal visa restriction names as Bozell backs Mbeki to break SA impasse appeared first on African Insider.
