Updated

The United States announced visa restrictions on South African officials, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio saying Pretoria has failed to address US concerns over alleged discrimination against white South Africans. The move marks an escalation in tensions between Washington and Pretoria. South Africa pushed back sharply against the planned sanctions, accusing the Trump administration of falling for misinformation spread by 'fringe groups' alleging systemic discrimination against white Afrikaners. Pretoria's rejection deepens the diplomatic rift between the two countries over the discrimination claims.