South Africa has reiterated its commitment to enforcing its immigration laws while engaging the United States through diplomatic channels following allegations involving the treatment of U.S. officials and the handling of personal information.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation said the recent deportation of seven Kenyan nationals by the Department of Home Affairs was carried out lawfully and in line with South African immigration legislation. The individuals were found to be working in the country without valid work permits.
The government said the deportations formed part of routine immigration enforcement and stressed that South Africa will not compromise its sovereignty or the rule of law. Authorities emphasised that all foreign nationals are subject to the same legal requirements when living or working in the country.
The ministry also addressed allegations raised by the United States concerning the detention of U.S. officials in South Africa and claims that passport details of American officials were publicly released. South Africa dismissed any suggestion that the state was involved in the alleged release of private information, describing the claims as unsubstantiated.
According to the ministry, South Africa treats data protection and information security with the utmost seriousness and operates within strict legal and diplomatic frameworks. It said there is no evidence to support allegations of state involvement in actions that could place foreign officials at risk.
Despite rejecting the accusations, the government confirmed that diplomatic channels have been formally opened with the United States. The aim, it said, is to seek clarity on the allegations and to ensure that bilateral relations are conducted in a manner based on mutual respect, transparency and factual engagement.
The response follows a media note released by the U.S. Department of State on the same day, in which Washington condemned what it described as the detention of U.S. officials who were allegedly in South Africa to provide humanitarian support to Afrikaners. The U.S. statement also criticised the alleged public release of passport information, calling it an act of harassment and intimidation.
The United States warned that the exposure of personal identifying information placed its officials in danger and said failure by South Africa to hold those responsible accountable could lead to serious consequences.
While South Africa did not directly address claims that U.S. officials were detained, the ministry maintained that all interactions involving foreign governments and their representatives are handled through established diplomatic processes. It said concerns of this nature should be resolved through direct government-to-government engagement rather than public exchanges.
South African officials reiterated that the country values its relationship with the United States and remains committed to resolving disagreements through dialogue. The ministry said diplomacy remains the most effective tool to clarify facts, prevent misunderstandings and protect long-standing cooperation between the two nations.
The government added that it continues to uphold international norms while safeguarding national interests, including the enforcement of domestic laws and the protection of state sovereignty. It said these principles are not mutually exclusive but form part of responsible governance.
Further diplomatic engagements are expected as both countries work to address the allegations and maintain stable relations.
