US expels South Africa’s ambassador and tightens visa restrictions as Ramaphosa warns of devastating job losses from trade deal loss

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has urged the nation to get ready for a potential loss of duty-free trade access to the U.S. as relations between the two governments grow increasingly tense. Tensions have escalated following actions by Washington that include cutting economic aid, expelling South Africa’s ambassador, and berating Ramaphosa in the Oval Office over discredited claims of a “white genocide”.

Washington in mid-September announced restrictions on visas for South Africans who promote “race-based discrimination, incite violence, or enable land confiscation without compensation in South Africa” — all issues that are disputed between the two countries.

I need, as president, to prepare us if it ever happens.

Ramaphosa stated that losing access to the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) would be “devastating” for South African jobs, as the automobile industry and other sectors rely heavily on duty-free exports to the United States. While the U.S. Congress has extended the program through 2028, the final decision rests with the executive branch.

The South African presidency has described the expulsion of its ambassador as “regrettable,” urging a return to diplomatic decorum while the government explores alternative markets, including a recent trade agreement with China, to mitigate the potential economic fallout.