South Africa is seeking direct talks with the United States to ease diplomatic tensions and avoid possible exclusion from the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), a duty-free trade programme for African countries.
South African ambassador to the US, Roelf Meyer, said on Monday that dialogue could help resolve the stalemate between the two countries.
Relations have deteriorated since President Donald Trump took office, with Washington cutting aid and accusing South Africa of failing to address alleged persecution of white citizens, claims rejected by the South African government.
Meyer said he hoped discussions on AGOA would allow South Africa to present its position before decisions were made on its continued participation in the programme, which has been extended to December 2028 and is reviewed annually.
Tensions have also been fuelled by US visa restrictions announced in mid-September against South Africans accused of promoting racial discrimination, inciting violence or enabling land confiscation without compensation.
The US last year introduced a refugee resettlement programme for white Afrikaners who claim to face persecution in South Africa, allegations the government disputes.
The diplomatic standoff has also affected South Africa’s participation in G20 engagements in the US, with Washington refusing to accredit Pretoria for meetings, including the December summit. Meyer said South African representatives would participate in the Business 20 (B20) meetings scheduled for November in Washington.