Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) spokesperson Chrispin Phiri, said South Africa reaffirmed sovereign immigration enforcement and that US data allegations would be addressed through diplomatic channels. “These individuals were engaged in work without the necessary work permits. “The government will not negotiate its sovereignty and the implementation of the rule of law,” cautioned Phiri.
He said South Africa treated all matters of data security “with the utmost seriousness and operates under stringent legal and diplomatic protocols”. “We categorically reject any suggestion of state involvement in such actions,” said Phiri. He described as “unsubstantiated” allegations regarding the private information US officials alleged was made public.
“We remain committed to principled and transparent diplomacy. “Official channels have been opened with the United States government to seek clarity on this allegation and to reinforce that our bilateral engagements, must be grounded in mutual respect and factual dialogue,” added Phiri. In what has signalled a further strain in SA-US relations, following unsubstantiated claims by US President Donald Trump of “an Afrikaner genocide” he alleged took place in South Africa, the office of the US Department of State issued a warning – through the US embassy in Pretoria – over the Kenyan incident.
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