What could the US do next as tensions with South Africa escalate?

The US has imposed targeted visa restrictions on South African officials over alleged race-based discrimination and land reform policies.

Tensions between the United States (US) and South Africa are intensifying as the US continues to place restrictions on the country in response to what it calls race-based discrimination, uncompensated land seizures and incitement of violence.

South African president Cyril Ramaphosa says South Africa will defend its sovereignty while continuing to engage Washington.

“We are quite willing and prepared to continue engaging with the United States as we engage with all other countries in the world. Where there are challenges, we will go in with our dignity, with our sovereignty, to engage with those countries without bowing our heads and treating those nations respectfully and expecting them to treat us also respectfully. The United States is an important market for us,” Ramaphosa said.

The US has previously taken several actions against South Africa - but the big question is 'What could the US do next?'

US–South Africa relations have grown increasingly strained, and Washington has already taken several concrete measures.

On September 15, the US announced visa restrictions against certain South Africans whom it accused of being involved in or supporting policies concerning racial discrimination, uncompensated land seizures and incitement of violence.

Then in March 2025, the US paused and cut development assistance to South Africa, including funding linked to HIV/AIDS programmes. In addition, Secretary of State Marco Rubio expelled South Africa’s ambassador to the US, Ebrahim Rasool.

The Trump administration also previously introduced a 30% tariff on South African goods and offered refugee status to some Afrikaners as claims about racial discrimination in South Africa surfaced. It also pressured Pretoria over its foreign-policy positions, including its relationship with Iran.

South Africa has rejected the US characterisation of its policies and defended its sovereign right to determine its domestic and foreign policy.

So after breaking down what actions were already implemented, we look at what actions could be taken.

Last week, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced visa restrictions against those linked to South African laws or policies that, according to Washington, enable racial discrimination, uncompensated land seizures or incitement of violence. The US has not publicly named the people affected.

The US ambassador described the restrictions as “only the first step in a series of escalatory measures”, indicating that additional individuals could potentially be targeted.

That could mean more officials being denied US visas; restrictions being extended to people involved in particular policies; and potentially broader immigration measures.