South Africa-US spat ramps up as DIRCO fires back
The South African government has strongly rejected the latest US State Department human rights report, calling it a 'deeply flawed and inaccurate' portrayal of the country's democratic and legal systems.
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In a statement issued by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), officials said they were 'deeply disappointed' by the US's assessment, particularly its claims that human rights conditions have 'significantly deteriorated' in South Africa over the past year.
The report, released on Tuesday, criticised South Africa's handling of the Expropriation Act, suggested a lack of accountability for alleged human rights abuses, and raised alarm over violence and rhetoric directed at Afrikaners – including concerns over the controversial 'Kill the Boer' chant.
AfriForum Raises Alarm Over Afrikaner Safety
The report has already triggered a response from civil rights group AfriForum, which renewed its call for President Cyril Ramaphosa to publicly denounce the chant and take stronger action to protect the rights of Afrikaners and other minorities.
AfriForum warned that the strained diplomatic relationship with the US could worsen, and that failure to act may prolong or increase tariffs on South African exports.
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The organisation said Ramaphosa's inaction 'undermines the interests of all South Africans' by placing 'ANC ideology over constitutional obligations and the welfare of citizens.'
DIRCO Pushes Back
DIRCO responded sharply, accusing the US government of producing a report that 'misrepresents facts and ignores judicial processes currently underway in South Africa.'
They cited an incident involving the deaths of farm workers that the report framed as extrajudicial killings, despite the matter being under ongoing judicial review.
'This is not only premature but a fundamental distortion of the facts,' DIRCO said.
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'South Africa's constitutional democracy includes independent oversight institutions that are functioning and active.'
The ministry also defended South Africa's land reform efforts, referring to recent praise from the UN Human Rights Office, which called the Land Expropriation Act a 'critical step toward addressing racially skewed land ownership' – directly contradicting the US report's claims.
US Criticism Called Hypocritical
DIRCO went further, pointing out what it called the irony of criticism from a country that recently withdrew from the UN Human Rights Council.
'The United States faces documented human rights issues of its own, including systemic discrimination, treatment of refugees, and questionable practices by its immigration enforcement agencies,' the statement said.
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DIRCO also questioned the political motivations behind the report, suggesting it reflects President Donald Trump's foreign policy priorities rather than objective human rights assessments.
Tensions Set to Rise
The latest exchange adds fuel to growing diplomatic tensions between Pretoria and Washington, following the US's imposition of tariffs and increasingly critical rhetoric regarding South Africa's international alliances and domestic policies.
While the US remains a key trade partner, South African officials have signalled that diplomatic engagement through formal channels – and not external pressure – will guide the country's response.
'We remain committed to open dialogue, but we will not accept mischaracterisations that damage our international reputation without basis,' DIRCO said.
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As both countries dig in their heels, observers warn that the rift could escalate into broader consequences for trade, diplomatic cooperation, and international perceptions of human rights credibility on both sides.
Have DIRCO taken the correct stance to hit back at the allegations?
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Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. 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