FW de Klerk Foundation reflects on SA and US relations

FW de Klerk Foundation reflects on SA and US relations Siya Tsewu Sat, 09/19/2026 - 14:10

JOHANNESBURG - The FW de Klerk Foundation has expressed concern about the escalating tension between South Africa and US.

Washington has now imposed visa restrictions on certain South Africans.

Christo van der Rheede, the executive director of the foundation, warned these measures could divide the country further, instead of addressing the challenges facing all South Africans.

"I think it's very important to understand the ethno-nationalist approach by the Washington administration. This is seriously problematic because once you start using that as a reason for sanctioning or putting punitive measures in place the punish those who call for land expropriation without compensation or racial redress, then you actually embarking on a very, very seriously problematic approach.

“South Africa at this point in time faces many challenges, and we need to address those challenges, but we need to have a united approach.

“South Africans must be united in condemning corruption, in condemning crime and lack of service in many municipalities. And, that is why we have said that the United States is not really addressing the core issues faced by all South Africans, but instead they are now tearing the country, or tearing the country apart in terms of old racial divisions."