South Africa Rejects U.S. Visa Curbs and Calls for Dialogue

South Africa rejected new U.S. visa restrictions targeting foreign nationals whom Washington says are involved in race-based discrimination, calling the policy a mischaracterization of its domestic laws. Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola said South Africa has a sovereign right to enact measures addressing centuries of racial injustice. He said disagreements should be handled through constitutional institutions, democratic processes and diplomatic channels, not unilateral action. The U.S. State Department said the restrictions may cover people deemed responsible for uncompensated land seizures, discriminatory policies or incitement of imminent violence, as well as some family members; it named no affected individuals.