# South Africa’s ambassador to the United States, Roelf Meyer, has acknowledged that diplomatic relations between the two countries are under pressure and require urgent attention from both sides. Tensions between Washington and Pretoria escalated recently after the US government announced new visa restrictions targeting individuals it accused of involvement in race‑based discrimination and uncompensated land seizures in South Africa. Speaking at the Cape Town Press Club yesterday, Meyer said the relationship extends beyond politics and diplomacy, arguing that it has direct implications for South Africa’s economic growth, investment prospects and employment opportunities.
Ambassador Meyer says severely strained SA-US relations require urgent restoration