Relations between South Africa and the United States have deteriorated further following a sharp public exchange between Pretoria and Washington.The US State Department’s Bureau of African Affairs accused the South African government of failing its citizens, pointing to high unemployment, allegations of corruption, and reports of citizens emigrating in search of better opportunities.The comments were posted on social media and included criticism of recent political rhetoric in South Africa.

The diplomatic spat follows remarks made by South Africa’s International Relations and Cooperation Minister, Ronald Lamola, who told Parliament that the US Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement is opposed to progressive causes and accused it of having ideological positions that negatively affect black people, women, and LGBTQI communities.He also questioned political alignments within South Africa in relation to the movement.

In response, the US Bureau of African Affairs highlighted South Africa’s unemployment rate of around 33%, recent evacuations of foreign nationals by Ghana and Nigeria, and concerns about xenophobic tensions, including references to the “Kill the Boer” chant.

It also claimed that many South Africans were seeking relocation to the United States, while referencing Washington’s refugee programme that has prioritised admissions for white South Africans, particularly Afrikaners, which Pretoria has rejected as unfounded.

The South African government has condemned attacks on foreign nationals and rejected claims that xenophobic violence is state policy, maintaining that it is addressing the issue through diplomatic and continental forums.

Analysts, including Dr Seshupo Mosala of North-West University, described the exchange as an escalation and warned that such public confrontations undermine diplomatic norms, which typically rely on behind-the-scenes engagement.

Mosala further noted that despite political tensions, South Africa’s economic relationship with the United States remains significant, and prolonged friction could have wider implications for trade and international cooperation.

Ghana and Nigeria’s recent evacuation of citizens from South Africa has added further strain to regional and international perceptions of domestic stability.